Non-invasive measurement of analytes

ABSTRACT

This invention provides devices, compositions and methods for determining the concentration of one or more metabolites or analytes in a biological sample, including cells, tissues, organs, organisms, and biological fluids. In particular, this invention provides materials, apparatuses, and methods for several non-invasive techniques for the determination of in vivo blood glucose concentration levels based upon the in vivo measurement of one or more biologically active molecules found in skin.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 10/617,915,filed on Jul. 10, 2003, which is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No.10/616,533, filed on Jul. 9, 2003, which claims priority to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/425,488, filed Nov. 12, 2002,and this application also claims priority to Ser. No. 60/438,837, filedJan. 9, 2003, Ser. No. 60/439,395, filed Jan. 10, 2003, Ser. No.60/447,603, filed Feb. 13, 2003, and Ser. No. ______, filed on Oct. 31,2003, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides devices, compositions and methods fordetermining the concentration of one or more metabolites or analytes ina biological sample, including cells, tissues, organs, organisms, andbiological fluids. In particular, this invention provides materials,apparatuses, and methods for several non-invasive techniques for thedetermination of in vivo blood glucose concentration levels based uponthe in vivo measurement of one or more biologically active moleculesfound in skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Identifying and understanding the risk factors associated with diabetesis invaluable for the development and evaluation of effectiveintervention strategies.

Lacking normal regulatory mechanisms, diabetics are encouraged to strivefor optimal control through a modulated life style approach that focuseson dietary control, exercise, and glucose self-testing with the timelyadministration of insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications. Invasiveforms of self-testing are painful and fraught with a multitude ofpsychosocial hurdles, and are resisted by most diabetics. Alternativesto the currently available invasive blood glucose testing are highlydesirable.

Conventional approaches to non-invasive alternatives seek to reduce oreliminate the skin trauma, pain, and blood waste associated withtraditional invasive glucose monitoring technologies. In general, thoughnever effectively demonstrated prior to this invention, noninvasiveoptical blood glucose monitoring requires no bodily fluid samples bewithdrawn from tissue and involves external irradiation withelectromagnetic radiation and measurement of the resulting optical flux(e.g., fluorescence or diffuse reflectance). In theory, but not inpractice, glucose levels would be derived from the spectral informationfollowing comparison to reference spectra for glucose and backgroundinterferants, reference calibrants, and/or application of advancedsignal processing mathematical algorithms.

Radiation-based technologies, which are often referred to as potentialcandidates for solving the non-invasive glucose problem, have includedvariations of sampling and data processing methods including: 1)mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy, 2) near-infrared radiation (NIR)spectroscopy, 3) radio wave impedance, 4) autofluorescence and whitelight scattering, and 5) Raman spectroscopy. Each of these methods usesoptical sensors and relies on the premise that the absorption orfluorescence pattern of electromagnetic radiation can be quantitativelyrelated to a change in blood glucose concentration. However, otherendogenous substances including, but not limited to, water, lipids,proteins, and hemoglobin are known to absorb energy, particularlyinfrared light and can easily obscure the relatively weak glucosesignal.

Other approaches to non-invasive glucose measurements are based onmicrovascular changes in the retina, acoustical impedance, nuclearmagnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and optical hydrogels thatquantify glucose levels in tear fluid. While putatively non-invasive,these technologies have yet to be demonstrated as effective in clinicaltesting.

Nearly noninvasive techniques tend to rely on interstitial fluidextraction from skin. This can be accomplished using permeabilityenhancers, sweat inducers, and/or suction devices with or without theapplication of electrical current. One device recently approved by theFDA relies on reverse iontophoresis, utilizing an electrical currentapplied to the skin. The current pulls out salt, which carries water,which, in turn, carries glucose. The glucose concentration of thisrecovered fluid is measured and is proportional to that of blood. Inkeeping with its nearly noninvasive description, this technology iscommonly associated with some discomfort and requires at least twicedaily calibrations against conventional blood glucose measurements (e.g.invasive lancing).

Other nearly noninvasive blood glucose monitoring techniques similarlyinvolve transcutaneous harvesting for interstitial fluid measurement.Other technologies for disrupting the skin barrier to obtaininterstitial fluid include: 1) dissolution with chemicals; 2)microporation with a laser; 3) penetration with a thin needle; and/or 4)suction with a pump. Minimally invasive blood glucose monitoring canalso involve the insertion of an indwelling glucose monitor under theskin to measure the interstitial fluid glucose concentration. Thesemonitors typically rely on optical or enzymatic sensors. Althoughtechnologically innovative, these in situ sensors have had limitedsuccess. Implantable glucose oxidase (“GO”) sensors have been limited bylocal factors causing unstable signal output, whereas optical sensorsmust overcome signal obfuscation by blood constituents as well asinterference by substances with absorption spectra similar to glucose.Moreover, inflammation associated with subcutaneous monitoring maycontribute to systematic errors requiring repositioning, recalibrationor replacement, and more research is needed to evaluate the effects ofvariable local inflammation at the sensor implantation site on glucoseconcentration and transit time.

Interstitial fluid glucose concentrations have previously been shown tobe similar to simultaneously measured fixed or fluctuating blood glucoseconcentrations. See, e.g., Bantle et al., Journal of Laboratory andClinical Medicine 130:436-441, 1997; Sternberg et al., Diabetes Care18:1266-1269, 1995. Such studies helped validate noninvasive/minimallyinvasive technologies for blood glucose monitoring, insofar as many ofthese technologies measure glucose in blood as well as interstitialfluid.

A noninvasive glucose monitor that is portable, simple and rapid to use,which provides accurate clinical information is desirable. Inparticular, the ability to derive first and second order information inreal-time for dynamic glucose metabolism, such as the direction and rateof change of bioavailable glucose distributed within the blood andinterstitial fluid space, would be extremely important for continuousand discrete glucose monitoring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The methods and compositions of the present invention effectivelydetermine the glucose concentration in blood for a living organism bynon-invasive, in vivo measurement of the glucose level in skin by meansof fluorescence measurements of metabolic indicators/reporters ofglucose metabolism. Disclosed are dyes used as metabolic indicators thatallow for specific in vivo monitoring of metabolites, which are used asindicators of metabolic activity. Dyes characterized by this inventionare referred to herein as a small molecule metabolite reporters(“SMMRs”).

This invention also provides for fluorescence measurements ofextracellular and intracellular reporter molecules placed into thecytosol, nucleus, or organelles of cells within intact, living, tissuethat track the concentration of blood glucose in an organism. When anyone of a series of metabolites is measured using this technique, themolar concentration of blood glucose can be calculated. Direct orindirect fluorescence measurements of glucose using one or more of thefollowing measurements is described: pH (as lactate/H), membranereduction-oxidation electric potential, NAD(P)H (nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide (phosphate), reduced form) for energy transfer, FAD⁺(flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form) for energy transfer,ATP/ADP ratio, Ca²⁺-pumping rate, Mg²⁺-pumping rate, Na⁺-pumping rate,K⁺-pumping rate, and vital mitochondrial membrane stains/dyes/moleculesfluorescence response. These analytes, measured in skin using thetechniques taught herein, are used to provide a complete picture ofepidermal skin glycolytic metabolism where local epidermal analyte(glucose) quantities are proportional to the concentration of glucose insystemic blood, specifically the capillary fields within the papillarylayer of the dermis (corium). Temperature and/or nitric oxidemeasurement may also be combined with the above measurements for bettercalibration and determination of glucose concentrations.

The invention further provides sensor compositions that are applied toat least one surface of living tissue, organs, interstitial fluid, andwhole organisms and transported into the tissue at an effectiveconcentration. The sensor composition can include at least one smallmolecule metabolic reporter (SMMR) at an effective concentration suchthat when the at least one SMMR is brought in contact with one or morespecific metabolites or analytes, a change in fluorescence or absorptionoccurs, thereby allowing quantification of the change in fluorescence orabsorption.

For example, the at least one small molecule metabolic reporter used inthe sensor composition can be a fluorophore, a protein labeledfluorophore, a protein comprising a photooxidizable cofactor, a proteincomprising another intercalated fluorophore; a mitochondrial vital stainor dye, a dye exhibiting at least one of a redox potential, a membranelocalizing dye, a dye with energy transfer properties, a pH indicatingdye; a coumarin dye, a derivative of a coumarin dye, an anthraquinonedye, a cyanine dye, an azo dye, a xanthene dye, an arylmethine dye, apyrene derivative dye, or a ruthenium bipyridyl complex dye.

Examples of suitable mitochondrial vital stains or dyes include, but arenot limited to, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dye, such as, forexample, rhodamine 123; di-4-ANEPPS; di-8-ANEPPS; DiBAC₄(3); RH421;tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester, perchlorate; tetramethylrhodaminemethyl ester, perchlorate; 2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridiniumiodide; 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123,dihydrochloride salt; xanthene;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;benzenedicarboxylic acid; 2(or4)[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide.

Examples of suitable protein labeled fluorophores include, but are notlimited to, Glucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and GlucoseOxidase-Intercalated Fluorophore (GO-IF). Examples of a suitable proteininclude a photooxidizable cofactor includes Glucose Oxidase (GOx) with aflavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the triplet state (GOx)-³FAD*).

The one or more specific metabolites or analytes to be detected in asurface of living tissue, organs, interstitial fluid, and wholeorganisms include, for example, glucose, lactate, H⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺,K⁺, ATP, ADP, P_(i), glycogen, pyruvate, NAD(P)⁺, NAD(P)H, FAD, FADH₂,and O₂.

The in vivo information obtained when the SMMR is brought in contactwith the one or more metabolites or analytes can include, but is notlimited to, assessment of metabolic function; diagnosis of metabolicdisease state; monitoring and control of disease state; stress status ofcells, tissues and organs; determination of vitality and viability ofcells based on metabolic function; critical care monitoring; diagnosisand monitoring of cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders,neurological disorders, degenerative diseases; determination ofmetabolic concentration; and cancer diagnosis, detection, staging andprognosis.

For example, the in vivo information obtained may provide detailedinformation on glucose metabolism, fructose metabolism and galactosemetabolism; advanced-glycosolated end products; monitoring and controlof diseases such as diabetes, cancer, stress and organ transplantation.

The sensor compositions used in these methods for monitoring theconcentration of one or more metabolite(s) or analyte(s) can beformulated as, but are not limited to, emulsions, ointments, disposablegel film patches, reservoir devices, creams, paints, polar solvents,non-polar solvents, or any combination thereof.

Penetration of the sensor composition can be accomplished using anactive transport technique or a passive transport technique, such as,for example, electroporation, laser poration, sonic poration, ultrasonicporation, iontophoresis, mechanical-poration, solvent transport,tattooing, wicking, microneedle or pressurized delivery. In addition,penetration of the sensor composition to the desired depth can beaccomplished by combining the composition with various molecular sizeattachments.

Typically, the quantification of the change in fluorescence orabsorption is monitored using fluorescence or absorption spectroscopy.

An effective concentration of the sensor composition is, for example, atleast between 0.01 to 500 μg/ml, between 0.1 to 500 μg/ml, between 1.0to 150 μg/ml, between 1 to 100 μg/ml, and between 10 μM to 100 μg/ml.The SMMR can be introduced in a low concentration in a range from 10 μMto 1000 μM and in a volume from 200 μL to 0.1 μL, respectively (e.g.,introducing the SMMR at a concentration in the range of 200 μL of a 10μM SMMR solution to 0.1 μl of a 1000 μM SMMR solution). One specificapplication of the sensor composition is, for example, a 5 μL volume ofa 400 μM SMMR solution, or a 10 μL volume at 200 μM concentration.

The one or more metabolite(s) or analyte(s) can directly report on,and/or relate to, in vivo blood glucose levels. Suitable metabolites oranalytes include any of the metabolites or analytes listed herein.

The SMMR may be chosen based on one or more properties selected from thegroup consisting of molecular size, charge, structure, pKa, solubility,polarity, and solvent system used to transport the one or more smallmolecule metabolic reporters to living tissue.

The invention also provides methods for identifying a small moleculemetabolic reporter (SMMR). According to these methods, one or moremetabolites required to characterize a selected metabolic pathway in aliving system are delineated. A basic mechanism of action for the SMMRis determined. One or more wavelength choices for excitation andemission of the SMMR are selected by analysis of absorption andfluorescence measurements. A molecular structure to meet quantumefficiency and yield requirements is selected, as well as location,diffusion rate, and duration or lifetime of the SMMR within a tissue ororgan layers, as well as toxicity requirements and limitations.Optionally, measured real-time metabolic conditions are related todisease state for diagnosis or patient care.

The invention also provides in vivo methods for determining themetabolic health and well-being in living organisms by applying at leastone small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR) to a surface of an organfor a predetermined period of time. The SMMR penetrates to a depth ofabout 10 μm to about 300 μm. A change in the fluorescence or absorptionis measured based upon peripheral or epithelial tissue metabolitelevels. The metabolite levels within peripheral or epithelial tissue arethen correlated with cellular metabolite levels.

Also provided by this invention are in vivo methods for monitoring andcontrolling disease states that affect metabolic processes in livingorganisms. According to these methods, at least one small moleculemetabolic reporter (SMMR) is applied to at least one surface of a livingtissue, organs, and/or whole organisms for a predetermined period oftime. The SMMR penetrates to a depth of about 10 μm to about 300 μm. Achange in the fluorescence or absorption is monitored based uponperipheral or epithelial tissue metabolite levels. The metabolite levelswithin peripheral or epithelial tissue is then correlated with cellularmetabolite levels.

For example, disease states may include diabetes, diabetes progression,aging, critical care states, organ transplantation, tissue and cellviability and vitality, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders,neurological disorders, degenerative disease; and cancer diagnosis,detection, staging and prognosis.

Also provided are in vivo methods for monitoring the concentration ofone or more metabolites or analytes. According to these methods, atleast one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR) is applied to atleast one surface of a living tissue, organs, and/or whole organisms fora predetermined period of time. The SMMRs then penetrate to a depth ofabout 10 μm, wherein the depth corresponds with the bottom of the deadstratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, wherein the depth correspondswith the top of the dermal layer, into the epidermis. A change in theconcentration of the one or more metabolites or analytes in a metabolicpathway is monitored by detecting changes in the at least one SMMR atone or more time points using an optical reader by detecting at leastone wavelength above 350 nm.

The SMMR can include a mitochondrial vital stain or dye sensitive tomembrane potential or chemical gradient. For example, the mitochondrialstain can be a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dye, such as, forexample, rhodamine 123; di-4-ANEPPS; di-8-ANEPPS; DiBAC₄(3); RH421;tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester, perchlorate; tetramethylrhodaminemethyl ester, perchlorate; 2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridiniumiodide; 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123,dihydrochloride salt; xanthene;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;benzenedicarboxylic acid; 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide.

The SMMR can include a dye or stain that transfers energy from amolecule generated as a result of the oxidative metabolic pathway andthat has a stoichiometric or highly correlated relationship with glucoseconcentration.

Alternatively, the SMMR includes a dye selected from the groupconsisting of: coumarin; derivatives of coumarin; anthraquinones;cyanine dyes; azo dyes; xanthene dyes; arylmethine dyes; pyrenederivatives; and ruthenium bipyridyl complexes.

The SMMR may be a protein labeled fluorophore. For example, GlucoseOxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and Glucose Oxidase-IntercalatedFluorophore (GO-IF). The SMMR may also be a protein comprising aphotooxidizable cofactor, such as, for example Glucose Oxidase (GOx)with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the triplet state(GOx-³FAD*).

The one or more metabolites or analytes that can be monitored can be oneof glucose; lactate; hydrogen ion (H⁺); calcium ion (Ca²⁺) pumping rate;magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pumping rate; sodium ion (Na⁺) pumping rate;potassium ion (K⁺) pumping rate; adenosine triphosphate (ATP); adenosinediphosphate (ADP); the ratio of ATP to ADP; inorganic phosphate (P_(i));glycogen; pyruvate; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,oxidized form (NAD(P)+); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,reduced form (NAD(P)H); flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form(FAD); and flavin adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂); and oxygen(O₂) utilization.

The SMMRs of the invention can be formulated as emulsions, ointments,disposable gel film patches, reservoir devices, creams, paints, polarsolvents, non-polar solvents, or any combination thereof.

Penetration of the SMMR can be accomplished using an active transporttechnique or a passive transport technique, such as, for example,electroporation, laser poration, sonic poration, ultrasonic poration,iontophoresis, mechanical-poration, solvent transport, tattooing,wicking, microneedle or pressurized delivery. In addition, penetrationof the sensor composition to the desired depth can be accomplished bycombining the composition with various molecular size attachments.

The invention also provides in vivo methods for measuring metabolitelevels by monitoring in a population of cells one or more relevantmetabolites, parameters or analytes in at least one metabolic pathway,wherein the monitoring involves measuring the fluorescence spectrumemitted by at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR),wherein at least one fluorescence spectrum emitted by the SMMR isstoichiometrically related to the metabolite, parameter or analyteconcentration in the population of cells, whereby analyzing therelatedness provides the in vivo metabolite level.

The population of cells can have a predominantly glycolytic metabolism,or alternatively, the population of cells can be induced to have aglycolytic metabolism. The population of cells in the skin can belocated in the epidermis, which contains a dynamic, metabolicallyhomogeneous, and homeostatic population of cells. For example, thepopulation of cells having a glycolytic metabolism can include livekeratinocytes. These live keratinocytes can be present in the epidermallayer of skin. In some cases, the live keratinocytes can be present inthe skin at a depth, from the surface of the skin, of about 10 μm, whichcorresponds to the bottom of the dead stratum corneum layer, to about175 μm, which corresponds to the top of the dermal layer.

The metabolic pathways monitored within the population of cells,according to these methods for measuring in vivo blood glucose levelsthrough the skin, can be monitored by measuring a specific metabolite oranalyte of the glycolytic pathway, wherein the specific metabolite oranalyte has a known stoichiometric or highly correlated relationshipwith glucose concentration. The metabolic pathways can also be monitoredwithin the population of cells by observing a physico-chemical parameterthat is related to the glycolytic pathway, wherein the selectedphysico-chemical parameter has a stoichiometric or highly correlatedrelationship with glucose concentration.

For example, the relevant metabolites or analytes that are monitored inthese methods for measuring in vivo blood glucose levels through theskin can be lactate; hydrogen ion (H⁺); calcium ion (Ca²⁺) pumping rate;magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pumping rate; sodium ion (Na⁺) pumping rate;potassium ion (K⁺) pumping rate; adenosine triphosphate (ATP); adenosinediphosphate (ADP); the ratio of ATP to ADP; inorganic phosphate (P_(i));glycogen; pyruvate; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,oxidized form (NAD(P)+); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate),reduced form (NAD(P)H); flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form(FAD); flavin adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂); or oxygen (O₂)utilization.

The population of cells to be monitored in these methods for measuringin vivo blood glucose levels through the skin can have a predominantlyoxidative metabolism, or alternatively, the population of cells can beinduced to have a metabolism predominantly based on oxidativephosphorylation. The metabolic pathways monitored within the populationof cells can be monitored by measuring a metabolite or analyte that isgenerated as a result of the oxidative metabolic pathway, wherein thespecific metabolite or analyte has a stoichiometric or highly correlatedrelationship with glucose concentration. Alternatively, the metabolicpathways can be monitored within the population of cells by observing aphysico-chemical parameter that is generated as a result of theoxidative metabolic pathway, wherein the physico-chemical parameter hasa stoichiometric or highly correlated relationship with glucoseconcentration.

Also provided are noninvasive methods for monitoring in vivo bloodglucose levels. According to these methods at least one small moleculemetabolic reporter (SMMR) is applied to at least one surface of skin fora predetermined period of time causing penetration of the one or moreSMMRs to a depth of about 10 μm, wherein the depth corresponds with thebottom of the dead stratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, wherein thedepth corresponds with the top of the dermal layer, into the epidermis.The one or more SMMRs come in contact with one or more metabolites oranalytes and a change in the concentration of the one or moremetabolites or analytes is monitored by detecting changes in the SMMRsusing an optical reader. The change in the concentration of the one ormore metabolites or analytes is then correlated with in vivo bloodglucose levels.

The at least one small molecule metabolic reporter can be selected fromthe group consisting of a fluorophore, a protein labeled fluorophore, aprotein comprising a photooxidizable cofactor, a protein comprisinganother intercalated fluorophore, a mitochondrial vital stain or dye,and a dye exhibiting one or more of a redox potential, a membranelocalizing dye, a dye comprising energy transfer properties, a pHindicating dye, a coumarin dye, a derivative of a coumarin dye, ananthraquinone dye; a cyanine dye, an azo dye; a xanthene dye; anarylmethine dye; a pyrene derivative dye and a ruthenium bipyridylcomplex dye.

The one or more specific metabolites can be selected from the groupconsisting of glucose, lactate, H⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, ATP, ADP,P_(i), glycogen, pyruvate, NAD(P)+, NAD(P)H, FAD, FADH₂, and O₂.

For example, when the SMMR is a protein labeled fluorophore, GlucoseOxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) is used and the metabolite monitoredis glucose.

Alternatively, the SMMR can be a protein comprising a photooxidizablecofactor such as Glucose Oxidase (GOx) with a flavin adeninedinucleotide (FAD) in the triplet state (GOx-³FAD*).

The SMMRs used in these methods for monitoring in vivo blood glucoselevels can include, for example, a mitochondrial stain sensitive tomembrane potential or chemical gradient. Examples of suitablemitochondrial stains include a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dye, suchas, for example, rhodamine 123; di-4-ANEPPS; di-8-ANEPPS; DiBAC₄(3);RH421; tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester, perchlorate;tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, perchlorate;2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide;3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123,dihydrochloride salt; xanthene;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;benzenedicarboxylic acid; 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide. Monitoring the change in the one or moremetabolite or analyte concentrations can be accomplished by measuring atleast one spectral emission at a wavelength above 350 nm.

Also included in the invention is a reagent strip for use in a glucosemeasuring instrument comprising a polymer strip and a knownconcentration of at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR),wherein when a sample of a biological fluid containing an amount ofglucose is interacted with the reagent strip, a change in fluorescenceor absorption of the one or more molecular sensor proteins occurs, andthe change is measured by the glucose measuring instrument, therebydetecting the glucose concentration of the biological fluid.

The at least one SMMR can be selected from Glucose Oxidase-LabeledFluorophore (GO-LF), Glucose Oxidase-Intercalated Fluorophore (GO-IF)and Glucose Oxidase (GOx) with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) inthe triplet state (GOx-³FAD*).

The change in fluorescence or absorption can be monitored usingfluorescence or absorption spectroscopy. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that any fluorescence or absorption spectroscopictechniques can be used in accordance with the invention.

Also provided is a reagent strip for use in calibrating a glucosemeasuring instrument comprising a polymer strip, a known concentrationof at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR), and at leastone sample containing a known concentration of glucose, wherein when theat least one sample is interacted with the reagent strip, a change influorescence or absorption of the one or more molecular sensor proteinsoccurs, wherein the change is measured by the glucose measuringinstrument, thereby calibrating the instrument.

The at least one SMMR may be selected from the group consisting ofGlucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and Glucose Oxidase (GOx)with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the triplet state(GOx-³FAD*).

The change in fluorescence or absorption can be monitored usingfluorescence or absorption spectroscopy.

The invention also provides sensor systems that include a device havinga component that transmits radiation to a material or tissue, acomponent that detects radiation emitted from a material or tissue, anda component to display the detection results, each component is operablylinked. The sensor systems further include an applicator that deliversthe sensor composition of the invention to the material or tissue.Typically, there is an air interface between the device and the materialor tissue, wherein the air interface measures a resulting excitationradiation emitted from the irradiated sensor composition.

The device included in the sensor system can emit radiation at one ormore wavelengths that have been chosen to specifically excite the SMMRmixture that is applied to the material or tissue. The sensorcomposition can include a reporter dye and a marker dye, oralternatively, a dye exhibiting a wavelength shift in absorption orfluorescence emission in the presence of a metabolite. The sensorcomposition can be present at a depth from the surface of the skin ofabout 10 μm to about 175 μm in the epidermis in a concentration that iseffective for detection of one or more metabolites or analytes in abiological sample.

The sensor system can detect radiation at one or more wavelengths thathave been chosen to specifically identify fluorescence emission that hasbeen scattered back to the system from the sensor composition.

The invention also provides additional methods for determining in vivoblood glucose concentration. According to these methods, an instrumentresponse measurement is performed on a calibration target, and theresponse data is recorded. At least one SMMR mixture is applied to theskin in a first, controlled area, such that the SMMR resides in theepidermal layer of the skin, and a second SMMR mixture is applied to theskin in a second controlled area. The second area is perturbed, suchthat one or more extreme changes that the mixture may undergo isachieved. A calibration measurement is performed on the perturbed area,and the calibration data is recorded. A background measurement is madeon an area of skin that has no SMMR, and this background data isrecorded. A measurement on the first area is performed by illuminatingthe first area with light, and at least one wavelength spectrum of lightreflected back from the first area is detected. Further measurements onthe first area are performed at wavelengths suitable for each SMMRpresent. At least one parameter from the response data is calculated tonormalize the background data, calibration data and measurement data forthe response of the spectrometer. At least one parameter from thebackground data is calculated to correct the calibration data andmeasurement data for emission, absorption and scattering properties ofthe tissue. At least one metabolite parameter from the calibration datais calculated to relate the measurement data to the blood glucoseConcentration, thereby determining in vivo blood glucose concentration.The one or more extreme changes can be, for example, a change inconcentration of the metabolite or anal yte between a zero or lowmeasurable concentration and a saturation level or high measurableconcentration.

The invention also provides methods of calculating blood glucoseconcentration. According to these methods, at least one backgroundresponse and at least one autofluorescence tissue response and measuredfrom a calibration target comprising an epidermal layer of skin. A firstSMMR mixture is provided to a first skin location, and portions of thefirst SMMR mixture are transferred into the epidermal layer of the skin.A second SMMR mixture is provided to a second skin location, and atleast one extreme change in the mixture is triggered and recorded. Theextreme change can be, for example, a change in concentration of theanalyte comprising a zero or low measurable concentration and asaturation level or high measurable concentration. These extremes areused to calibrate the sensor enabling it to measure a test sampleaccurately with a concentration between the extremes. See e.g.,equations (13) through (21), as described herein. The first skinlocation is illuminated with a radiative emission, and a resultingwavelength spectrum reflected from the first skin location is detected.The illuminating and detecting can be repeated using at least oneirradiation and wavelength spectrum associated with each SMMR provided.At least one physico-chemical parameter that is related to theglycolytic pathway is detected. Preferably, the physico-chemicalparameter has a stoichiometric or highly correlated relationship withglucose concentration, which is used in determining the blood glucoseconcentration. The sensor system can include a bloodless calibrationprocedure such as, for example, the procedure(s) outlined in equations13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 set forth herein.

The invention also provides methods for determining the concentration ofat least one metabolite or analyte in skin tissue. According to thesemethods, a small molecule metabolite reporter (SMMR) agent isadministered to the skin tissue. The SMMR agent penetrates to a regionof the skin at a depth between the dermis and the epidermis, wherein thedepth from the surface of the skin is from about 10 μm to about 175 μm.The SMMR agent is irradiated with a source of electromagnetic radiation,and the fluorescence spectra emitted from the SMMR agent are detected.The emitted fluorescence spectra are then analyzed, which results in adetermination of the concentration of the metabolite or analyte.Measuring the fluorescence spectra according to these methods caninclude a bloodless calibration procedure, such as, the procedure(s)outlined in equations 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 set forth herein.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skillin the art to which the invention belongs. Specific technical andscientific terms used herein have the following meanings:

As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “and” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. For example, the term small molecule metabolic reporter“SMMR” includes one or more small molecule metabolic reporters “SMMRs”.Those skilled in the art will recognize that the terms “SMMR” and“SMMRs” are used interchangeably herein.

As used herein, the term “biologically active molecule” includes, but isnot limited to, enzymes, coenzymes, metabolites, analytes, reactivespecies, polypeptides, proteins, cofactors, small molecules and othermacromolecules of physiological significance including mixtures oractive fragments or subunits thereof. A “small molecule” is defined as amolecule from 100 Da to 250 kDa. Molecules of this molecular weightrange have a demonstrated ability for use as quantitative reporters ofglucose activity.

The terms “small molecule metabolic reporter(s)”, “SMMR (s)”, “analyteenhancing molecules”, “reporter” and “reporters” include, but are notlimited to, fluorophores, protein-labeled fluorophores, proteins with aphotooxidizable cofactor (such as FADH contained in a glucose oxidase),and proteins with another intercalated fluorophore.

As used herein, a “chromophore” is defined as a molecule exhibitingspecific absorption or fluorescence emission when excited by energy froman external source. This is a more generic term than fluorophore.

As used herein, a “fluorophore” is defined as a molecule exhibitingspecific fluorescence emission when excited by energy from an externalsource.

As used herein, an “intercalated fluorophore” is defined as afluorophore that will fluoresce when intercalated with a molecule. Forexample, Glucose Oxidase-Intercalated Fluorophore (GO-IF) is a moleculewith specific glucose binding sites. The fluorescent properties willchange when glucose binds to the molecule, causing a measurable change.

As used herein, a “dye” is defined as a molecule having largeabsorptivity or high fluorescence quantum yield and which demonstratesaffinity for certain materials or organic (cellular) structures.

As used herein, a “xanthene dye” is defined as a molecule having axanthene-like skeletal structure, which exhibits large absorptivity andhigh fluorescence quantum yield and which demonstrates affinity forcertain materials or organic (cellular) structures.

The phrase “energy transfer from reducing equivalents (e.g., NAD/NADH,NAD(P)/NAD(P)H, FAD/FADH₂) indicating SMMRs” refers to a use of SMMRswhereby the presence of these reducing equivalents molecules, isdetected by excitation of the reducing equivalents molecules from anexternal source, energy transfer from the reducing equivalentsmolecule(s) to an SMMR, and detection of the fluorescence emission atthe SMMR emission wavelength.

The phrase “transmembrane redox potential indicating SMMRs” refers tothe use of SMMRs to indicate the degree of reduction-oxidation electricpotential occurring within the cell, including such organelle structuresas the inner mitochondrial membrane. In one such case, the degree ofreduction-oxidation electric potential is indicated by the number ofSMMR molecules bound to the inner mitochondrial membrane. In this case,SMMR binding is proportional to the membrane potential as indicated byquantitative fluorescence quenching. Thus, an increase in glucose bringsabout an increase in glycolysis and membrane potential, thereby reducingthe fluorescence signal. This phrase refers to the generic use of SMMRsas a means for detecting intracellular reduction-oxidation electricpotential.

The phrase “mitochondrion-selective vital SMMRs” refers to SMMRs thatbind selectively to the inner mitochondrial membrane of living cells.

The phrase “pH:lactate/H⁺ indicating SMMRs” refers to SMMRs that reporton the local intra- or extracellular environment with respect tohydrogen ion concentration, pH, or lactate concentration.

The phrase “enzyme-based SMMR, including a fluorescent protein SMMR”refers to a protein-based SMMR that is capable of reacting directly withglucose to form a fluorescence response, whether measured directly asfluorescence emission intensity or fluorescence lifetime.

The phrase “intracellular pH sensitive SMMRs” refers to SMMRs that enterthe cell membrane and report on intracellular pH within the cytosol.Other pH SMMRs are distinguished, as they report on organelle pH orextracellular pH, independent of cytosolic pH.

The phrase “extracellular pH sensitive SMMRs” refers to SMMRs thatremain on the outside of the cell and report on extracellular pH withinthe interstitial fluid or extracellular environment. Other pH SMMRs aredistinguished, as they report on intracellular pH, independent ofextracellular pH.

The phrase “absorption/diffuse reflection or fluorescence spectrum”refers to two types of spectra measured independently. Theabsorption/diffuse reflection spectrum refers to the energy reflectionspectrum from a material reported in either the dimensions ofreflectance or absorbance versus wavelength. The fluorescence spectrumis measured independently as the fluorescence emission intensity or thefluorescence lifetime of a fluorophore following excitation from anexternal source.

The phrase “molecular size attachment” refers to the molecular size inAngstroms (Å), which is related to molecular weight in Daltons (Da), ofan attachment added as an adjunct to an SMMR. As used herein, “molecularsize attachments” is defined as adducts to the fluorescent moieties ofSMMRs that include, but are not limited to, structural modifications offluorescence SMMRs as the additions to the fluorescence structure of:acetoxy methyl esters, chloro-methyl derivatives, alkyl chain adducts,highly charged moieties, enzyme substrate mimics, enzyme cofactortethers, and membrane binding tethers.

As used herein, a “reporter” is defined as an SMMR having the propertyof optical or fluorescence signal related to the quantity of analyte inthe immediate vicinity of the SMMR. Thus, as the analyte quantityincreases, the fluorescence signal changes (up or down) in proportion.

As used herein, a “marker” is defined as a molecule having the propertyof yielding a fluorescence signal that is constant when applied totarget cells or tissues. Its main purpose is for use as a referencesignal channel. As such, it is applied in a ratiometric measurement forcorrection of a reporter signal. The variation in physiological andoptical characteristics of individual subjects requires a referencechannel signal to correct or normalize a reporter channel signal whenthe ratio of reporter to marker is used for quantitative applications.

As used herein, a “sensor” is defined as a handheld device capable ofmaking absorption or fluorescence measurements at one or morewavelengths, and converting the ratios and sums of these measurementsinto analyte concentrations. These analyte concentrations are used toinfer the rate or quantity of a specific metabolic process.

As used herein, a “metabolite” is defined as a substance produced by ametabolic process, such as glycolysis, which can be quantitativelymeasured as an indication of the rate or quantity of a specificmetabolic process.

As used herein, an “analyte” is defined as a measurable parameter, usinganalytical chemistry, which can be quantitatively measured as anindication of the rate and quantity of a specific metabolic process. Theterm analyte is a generic term describing such concepts as metabolites,ions, processes, conditions, physico-chemical parameters, or metabolicresults that can be used to infer the rate or quantity of specificmetabolic processes.

As used herein, a “response range” is defined as an analyte range (lowerand upper limits) over which a metabolic process, and its measuredabsorption or fluorescence signal, follow a linear or definedmathematical function.

The phrase “physico-chemical parameter” refers to a subset of broadlydefined analyte parameters specifically related to the physicalchemistry constants of materials. These constants can be used incombination with the measurement of other analytes to infer the rate orquantity of specific metabolic processes. Such constants referspecifically to, e.g., atomic mass, Faraday constant, Boltzmannconstant, molar volume, dielectric properties, and the like.

As used herein, “wicking” is defined as the flow of a liquid into asolid material via the pull of gravity, Brownian motion, adhesion, masstransport, or capillary action such that a natural movement of a liquidoccurs into a solid material.

The phrases “direct metabolic reporters,” and “indirect metabolicreporters” refer to the mechanism of action of SMMR for reportingglucose concentration. Direct metabolic reporters report theconcentration of glucose directly, whereas indirect metabolic reportersreport the concentration of analytes used to infer the concentration ofglucose.

As used herein, an “octanol-water coefficient (K_(ow))” is defined as ameasure of the extent to which a solute molecule is distributed betweenwater and octanol in a mixture. The octanol-water partition coefficientis the ratio of a chemical's solubility (concentration) in octanol tothat in water using a two-phase mixture at equilibrium.

As used herein, “toxicity” is defined as the degree or quality of beingtoxic or hazardous to the health and well being of human and othermammalian organisms, organs, tissues, and cells.

The phrase “specialized tattoo” or more precisely the “active viewingwindow” refers to an area of tissue treated with an SMMR. That area isused for viewing the fluorescence ratio measurements of the SMMRinteraction with tissue, in order to directly measure, calculate, orotherwise infer the concentration of skin and blood glucose or othermetabolites of interest.

As used herein, “organ” is defined as a structure that contains at leasttwo different types of tissue functioning together for a common purpose.Examples of organs in the body include, but are not limited to, thebrain, heart, liver, kidneys, pancreas, stomach, intestines, lungs,skin.

As used herein, a “keratinocyte” is defined as a living cell comprisingthe majority of the epidermis of mammalian skin. The keratinocyte isunique in both its proximity to the surface of an organism as well as inits glycolytic behavior. The keratinocyte metabolizes glucose in such away as to produce a number of analytes whereby the glucose concentrationwithin the cell can be inferred.

As used herein, “Rt (in ohms)” is defined as the sum of a 5-ohm seriesresistor and the resistance (impedance) of the skin in parallel with a50-ohm resistor. As used herein, “Rskin” is defined as impedancerepresenting a function of the electrode contact resistance, thedistance between electrodes, and the applied pulse. Rskin is typicallyin the range of 30 to 100 kohm/cm².

As used herein, a “mammal” includes both a human and a non-human mammal(e.g., rabbit, mouse, rat, gerbil, cow, horse, sheep, etc.). Transgenicanimals are also encompassed within the scope of the term.

Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those describedherein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention,suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications,patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. In the case of conflict,the present specification, including definitions, will control. Inaddition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only andnot intended to be limiting. Other features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic showing the preferred location for small moleculemetabolic reporters (SMMRs) as they are introduced into the stratumgerminativum or dermis near the surface of peripheral tissue or skinusing one of many possible techniques disclosed for monitoring of bloodborne metabolites which move to peripheral cells and tissues;

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are schematics showing the method for coloringepidermal skin cells (i.e., keratinocytes) of the fingertip (FIG. 2A)using a sensor composition of the invention, wherein one or more SMMRsare applied to the skin surface and transported up to 1500 microns (μm)through the top of the skin using passive or active transport (FIG. 2B);

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematics showing the fluorescence response toD-glucose using a Lactate/H⁺ small molecule metabolite reporter (FIG.3A), and the corresponding epidermal location of the SMMR in the stratumgerminativum near the surface of the skin (FIG. 3B) and demonstrates aspectral response to changes in D-glucose as measured by lactate/H⁺reporting shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are schematics showing a measurement technique fordetermining D-glucose concentrations utilizing one or more wavelengths.FIG. 4A depicts Reporter and Marker channel detection using a dualwavelength measurement technique. FIG. 4B depicts measurement of theTotal Integrated Fluorescence Signal (gray region). The initial signalmeasured to determine glucose concentration [Glucose_(I)] is derived asa function of the ratio of the fluorescence signal from the reporter tomarker such that [Glucose_(I)]=f(Reporter/Marker). A multichannelwavelength correction is applied later. As designated in the FIG. 4A,FL*=Fluorescence detection;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are schematics showing a broad wavelength correctiontechnique for correcting the fluorescence ratio. Corrected signal forGlucose concentration [Glucose_(C)] is a function of the ratio ofreporter to marker signal corrected for variation in reflection (i.e.,broad wavelength reflection) unique for each individual, such that[Glucose_(C)]=f(Reporter/Marker)×(Broad Wavelength ReflectionCorrection). FIG. 5A depicts light correction profile detection. FIG. 5Bdepicts broad wavelength reflection signal measurement (gray area). Asdesignated in the FIG. 5A, DR*=Diffuse Reflection;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing signal processing logic for determiningmetabolite levels. The Detector signal (as fluorescence or diffusereflectance) is pre-amplified and the initial calculation is made. Oneor more of a series of demographic functions (e.g., empirical modelingof different demographic clusters of the population, as shown in thefigure) are applied to the initial calculation. A physiologicalcorrection is then further applied, as well as a metabolite model toderive the corrected metabolite computation (i.e., in a preferredembodiment, glucose concentration is determined);

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing determination of metaboliteconcentration. The Detector signal (as fluorescence or diffusereflectance) is pre-amplified and the total fluorescence counts aredetermined. The initial calculation is made and is corrected using thediffuse reflection information as per FIGS. 5A and 5B. Demographic andphysiology functions (e.g., empirical modeling of differentPhysiological clusters of the population, as shown in the figure) arethen applied to correct for individual skin optical properties andunique physiology. The corrected metabolite levels are then subjected toa final correction model relating measured skin metabolite levels toblood metabolite levels (lag correction). The result is a bloodmetabolite computation derived from a measurement of skin fluorescence(i.e., in a preferred embodiment, glucose concentration is determined);

FIG. 8 is a schematic showing blood glucose concentration determinationusing measured fluorescence ratio versus D-glucose. The measured ratioresponse versus D-glucose changes as a function of changing bloodglucose concentration. Also shown is the corresponding relativelactate/H⁺ concentration;

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are schematics showing blood glucose concentrationresults determined for actual versus measured SIAM ratios for a timedrat-clamp study. Blood glucose concentration determination usingmeasured fluorescence ratio versus blood D-glucose ranges from 118 to249 mg/dL blood D-glucose concentration obtained using the YSI method(YSI Incorporated, PO Box 279, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 USA) (FIG.9A). Glucose is infused at 2:28, 25 g/dL at 7.5 ml/hr. The results ofthis study are plotted in FIG. 9B on a standard Clarke Error gridshowing all data points from the experiment in Region A (center diagonallabeled “A”) having 6.76% total error, 1 sigma. As shown, the ClarkeError grid analysis divides the correlation plot into five regions.Region A represents glucose values that deviate from the comparativevalue by <20%, or are <70 mg/dL when the comparative value is <70 mg/dL.The B regions (broader center diagonal labeled “B”) represent valuesthat deviate by greater than 20%, and if heeded would lead to benigntreatment. Deviations within Regions A and B are considered clinicallyacceptable. Region C (mid-axis near top and bottom labeled “C”) valuesare described as those deviations that would overcorrect an acceptableglucose. Region D (mid-axis left and right labeled “D”) consists ofthose deviation values that would result in a dangerous failure todetect and treat a blood sugar condition. Region D values below 70 mg/dLare particularly common among the majority of consumer use glucosemeasurement devices. Many home blood glucose meters have up to 20% ofdata points in the D region. Region E deviations (left vertical andbottom labeled “E”) are described as those points that if heeded wouldresult in a potentially erroneous and dangerous treatment;

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are a schematic and a magnified insert,respectively, showing how small metabolites present in the blood aretransported from the blood vessels of the dermis into the interstitialfluid of the epidermis. This occurs as the metabolites move from smallblood vessels in the subcutaneous layers of the integument into thecapillary fields of the dermis. Metabolite molecules useful for trackingglucose include D-glucose; lactate; H⁺; NAD(P)H; Ca²⁺; FAD⁺; redoxpotential (mitochondrial membrane); ATP/ADP; and O₂ (aerobic). Suchsmall metabolite molecules move from the capillaries to the interstitialfluid surrounding the epidermal keratinocytes via mass transport. Thusthe metabolite concentration for interstitial fluid outside thekeratinocytes is proportional to the concentration of metabolites inperipheral dermal blood vessels. The only exception to this is oxygen,which decreases with distance from the subcutaneous blood vessels. Atapproximately 50 to 100 μm down from the surface of the skin, there isvery little oxygen, which is why the keratinocytes function usinganaerobic glycolysis. Applications of SMMRs as reporters for bloodmetabolite and precursor levels can be inferred from peripheral tissuemetabolite levels (i.e., why measurements of skin are useful formeasurement of some blood metabolites). Small metabolite molecules movefrom the capillaries to the interstitial fluid via non-insulinregulated, concentration dependent, mass transport (i.e., a diffusionrate of ˜4 to 10% per minute of the difference in concentration betweencapillary and skin metabolite levels). The skin cells transport viaGluT1 (GenBank Accession Number: K03195), not GluT4 (GenBank AccessionNumber: M91463);

FIG. 11 is a schematic showing the placement of at least one SMMR into akeratinocyte. SMMRs are added to the skin surface with, e.g., adisposable patch, and are passively or actively transported to akeratinocyte. Indirect Mechanisms 1-3 and Direct Mechanisms 4-5 forfluorescence measurement are further detailed in FIGS. 12-16;

FIG. 12 is a schematic of SMMR Mechanism 1 for an indirect energytransfer reporter. SMMR energy transfer reporter mechanism forfluorescence signal detection is based upon energy transfer from ametabolite molecule to the SMMR. The metabolite molecule is excited andtransfers energy to the SMMR. Then, the emission from the SMMR isdetected with a sensor. Under conditions where energy transfer is asignificant route for the decay of the excited metabolite, and wherethere is present a non-rate-limiting excess of SMMR, the emissionintensity is then proportional to the concentration of metabolitepresent;

FIG. 13 is a schematic of SMMR Mechanism 2 for an indirect metabolitereporter. SMMR metabolite reporter mechanism for a fluorescence signalis based upon the influence of a metabolite molecule on the SMMR. Thefluorescent SMMR is excited wherever the influence of the metabolitealters the fluorescence properties of the SMMR. This alteredfluorescence emission from the SMMR is detected with a sensor. Wherethere is a non-rate-limiting excess of SMMR, the emission intensity isproportional to the concentration of metabolite present;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of SMMR Mechanism 3 for an indirect membranepotential reporter. SMMR membrane potential reporter mechanism for afluorescence signal is based upon the fluorescence properties of an SMMRwhen bound to a cellular membrane, such as the inner membrane ofmitochondria. A fluorescent SMMR is excited wherever the influence ofthe membrane potential at the membrane-binding site alters thefluorescence properties of the SMMR. This altered fluorescence emissionfrom the SMMR is detected with a sensor. Where there is anon-rate-limiting excess of SMMR, the emission intensity is proportionalto the concentration of metabolite present;

FIG. 15 is a schematic of SMMR Mechanism 4 for a direct complexintensity reporter. SMMR direct complex intensity reporter mechanism fora fluorescence signal is based upon the specific binding of a metabolitemolecule (e.g., D-glucose) into a larger protein (e.g., enzyme-based)SMMR. The fluorescent protein SMMR is excited wherever the influence ofthe specifically bound metabolite alters the fluorescence properties ofthe SMMR. This altered fluorescence emission from the SMMR is detectedwith a sensor. Where there is a non-rate-limiting excess of SMMR, theemission intensity is proportional to the concentration of metabolitepresent. This mechanism is effective for intracellular, extracellular,and in vitro glucose quantitative measurements. This mechanism couldalso be useful for various in vitro diagnostic uses;

FIG. 16 is a schematic of SMMR Mechanism 5 for a direct complex lifetimereporter. SMMR direct complex lifetime reporter mechanism for anabsorption signal is based upon the specific binding of a metabolitemolecule (e.g., D-glucose) into a larger protein (e.g., enzyme-based)SMMR. The protein-based SMMR is excited by irradiation using modulatedlight, whereas irradiation with a second wavelength of light is used tomonitor the transient absorption lifetime using a detection system thatcan include a lock-in amplifier. The influence of the specifically boundmetabolite such as glucose alters the excited state lifetime propertiesof the SMMR. This altered lifetime from the SMMR is detected with asensor. Under conditions where the influence of the metabolite issignificant, and where there is a non-rate-limiting excess of SMMR, thefluorescence lifetime signal is proportional to the concentration ofmetabolite present. As in the case of Mechanism 4, this mechanism iseffective for intracellular, extracellular, and in vitro glucosequantitative measurements. It would be clear to one skilled in the artthat this mechanism could also be useful for in vitro diagnostic uses;

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C and 17D are schematics depicting mechanismsoperating in skin metabolism, which are referred to herein as Scheme 1,Scheme 2, Scheme 3 and Scheme 4, respectively. FIG. 17A depictsmechanisms operating in skin metabolism and points of measurement usingSMMRs (Scheme 1). FIG. 17B depicts an overview of the metabolic pathwaysfor glucose in epidermis (Scheme 2). FIG. 17C depicts the structure of ageneric chemical backbone for designing a pH sensitive dye for specificaction as a lactate/H⁺ SMMR (Scheme 3). FIG. 17D illustrates fluidissues related to in vivo skin calibration (Scheme 4);

FIG. 18 illustrates the X-Ray Crystal structure of glucose oxidase fromAspergillus niger refined at 2.3 Angstrom resolution;

FIG. 19 illustrates the molecular structure of glucose oxidase anddepicts glucose insertion;

FIG. 20 illustrates the molecular structure of glucose oxidase anddepicts replacement of FAD with reagent FL SubMol (fluorophore labeledsubstituent molecule) inclusion;

FIG. 21 illustrates a generic protein (e.g., an enzyme) with analytemolecule and SubMol intercalated into the FAD position (specific case).Note that the SubMol could also be attached to the periphery of theprotein molecule to produce an optical response in the presence of ananalyte molecule (e.g., glucose);

FIG. 22 is a schematic showing the steps of glucose metabolism;

FIG. 23 is a schematic of glucose metabolism showing the specificanalytes where glucose measurements are made for the invention, shown asbold, underlined and italicized*. SMMR are used by measuring glucosedirectly, or by measuring metabolites as indirect indicators of thequantity of glucose entering the cellular glycolytic pathway. Suchmetabolites are described in detail for the invention and examples aregiven here as: reducing equivalents molecules (e.g., NAD(P)H, NADH, FAD,FADH₂); changes in ATP-driven processes (e.g., cation pumping, transportat membranes, membrane reduction-oxidation electric potential, and pHgradient); and stoichiometric products of glucose utilization inglycolysis (e.g., lactate, hydrogen ion, pH, and pyruvate);

FIG. 24 is a schematic showing fructose metabolism;

FIG. 25 is a schematic of fructose metabolism showing the specificanalytes where glucose measurements are made for the invention, shown asbold, underlined and italicized*. SMMR are used by measuring glucosedirectly, or by measuring metabolites as indirect indicators of thequantity of glucose entering the cellular glycolytic pathway. Suchmetabolites are described in detail for the invention and examples aregiven here as: reducing equivalents molecules (e.g., NAD(P)H, NADH, FAD,FADH₂); changes in ATP-driven processes (e.g., cation pumping, transportat membranes, membrane reduction-oxidation electric potential, and pHgradient); and stoichiometric products of glucose utilization inglycolysis (e.g., lactate, hydrogen ion, pH, and pyruvate);

FIG. 26 is a schematic showing galactose metabolism;

FIG. 27 is a schematic of galactose metabolism showing the specificanalytes where glucose measurements are made for the invention, shown asbold, underlined and italicized*. SMMR are used by measuring glucosedirectly, or by measuring metabolites as indirect indicators of thequantity of glucose entering the cellular glycolytic pathway. Suchmetabolites are described in detail for the invention and examples aregiven here as: reducing equivalents molecules (e.g., NAD(P)H, NADH, FAD,FADH₂); changes in ATP-driven processes (e.g., cation pumping, transportat membranes, membrane reduction-oxidation electric potential, and pHgradient); and stoichiometric products of glucose utilization inglycolysis (e.g., lactate, hydrogen ion, pH, and pyruvate);

FIG. 28 lists mechanisms of action of the reporters of the invention.The mechanisms of action are threefold: (1) as a technology to increasethe signal-to-noise of native autofluorescence signals indicative ofhuman glucose metabolism [for FAD, NADH, and NAD(P)H], (2) for theenhancement of specific metabolite and precursor signals in tissue thatare indicative of glucose metabolism and allow determination of changesin blood glucose [Ca²⁺, lactate, oxygen], and (3) as a technology todirectly measure the presence of intracellular or extracellularmolecular glucose [GOx-LF, and GOx-³FAD*];

FIG. 29 is a diagram demonstrating the mechanism of action for energytransfer reporters;

FIG. 30 is a diagram demonstrating the mechanism of action for redoxpotential reporters;

FIG. 31 is a diagram demonstrating the mechanism of action for lactatereporters;

FIG. 32 is a diagram demonstrating the mechanism of action for ion pumpreporters (via calcium ion tracking);

FIG. 33 is a diagram demonstrating the mechanism of action for oxygenutilization reporters;

FIG. 34 is a schematic showing the use of SMMRs to establish analyticalmethods for measurement of each glucose pathway for a variety of celltypes;

FIG. 35 is a diagram summarizing various applications using the SMMRs ofthe invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic showing the method for adding SMMRs to peripheralepithelial cells in tissues and organs;

FIG. 37 is a schematic showing how to use SMMRs for metabolite orprecursor discrimination or imaging (i.e., qualitative measurement);

FIG. 38 is a graph showing how the intensity of fluorescence isindicative of the glucose concentration and this measurement may becombined with the dynamic measurements to determine glucoseconcentration.

FIG. 39 is a graph showing phase shift as a function of transientlifetime at a modulation frequency of 20 kHz using an instrument thatoperates in the time domain for quantifying the triplet state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The non-invasive devices, compositions, and methods of the presentinvention directly yield in vivo information for the assessment ofintracellular and extracellular metabolic state, as well as the stressstatus of cells, tissues, and organisms. In a preferred embodiment, thedevices, compositions and methods of the invention can be used tomonitor and determine metabolite concentration levels, and morespecifically, determine blood glucose concentration levels.

Truly non-invasive methods require that no device is placed into orunder the tissue; that no probe is used to remove fluid or to injectmaterials into the tissue; and that the protective layers of tissue,such as the stratum corneum of skin, or outer membrane layers of organs,are not mechanically penetrated or otherwise physically compromised.

Procedures that create pores or holes in the tissue for introducingmolecules or extracting fluid are considered somewhat invasive. Ideally,a non-invasive monitoring device would supply continuous, accuratemonitoring of intracellular activity, extracellular state, and wholeorganism or tissue metabolic status. In this way direct, real-timeinformation regarding tissue, organ, and organism metabolic status isproduced. In contrast, chemical sensors making measurements of highlybuffered and highly regulated body fluids such as interstitial fluidsand blood provide less responsive, more indirect data regarding tissueand overall subject status.

The invention provides non-invasive sensor compositions that compriseone or more small molecule metabolic reporters (“SMMRs” or “reporters”).When applied topically to skin, peripheral tissues, or organs, thesereporters are able to penetrate the upper tissue layers and interactwith a specific biologically active molecule in such a way as to reportmetabolic or health status, while not interfering with metabolicfunction. The reporters provide a metabolic signal that can be used formultiple purposes including, but not limited to, assessment of metabolicfunction (e.g., particularly as related to glucose metabolism);diagnosis of metabolic disease states (e.g., as related to advancedglycosylated end-products); monitoring and control of disease state;stress status of cells, tissues and organs; determination of vitalityand viability of cells based on metabolic function; critical caremonitoring; diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases,autoimmune disorders, neurological disorders, degenerative diseases;determination of metabolic concentration; and cancer diagnosis,detection, staging and prognosis. Specifically, applying the reportersof the invention to living peripheral or epithelial tissue providesdetailed information on the state of multiple metabolic pathways inliving organisms that can be analyzed using low-cost, hand heldinstrumentation.

The advantages of the mechanisms of action of the reporters of theinvention are threefold: (1) as a technology to increase thesignal-to-noise of native autofluorescence signals indicative of humanglucose metabolism [for FAD, NADH, and NAD(P)H], (2) for the enhancementof specific metabolite and precursor signals in tissue that areindicative of glucose metabolism and allow determination of changes inblood glucose [Ca²⁺, lactate, oxygen], and (3) as a technology todirectly measure the presence of intracellular or extracellularmolecular glucose [GOx-LF, and GOx-³FAD*]. The mechanisms of action forthese small molecule metabolic reporters are described in FIGS. 28-35.

The invention provides techniques whereby one or more reporters areapplied to solid tissue (i.e., are introduced to the upper cell layersof tissues and organisms following local and/or topical administration).The reporters are added in trace quantities (from about 10 to about 1000μL of 0.1 to 200 μM, preferably from about 5 to about 100 μL), using asubstance that is transparent to visible light and that has apre-specified temporary residence at the application site (e.g., 2days-up to 30 days, 24-48 hours, preferably 2-6 hours, more preferably30 seconds to 5 minutes, and most preferably 5 seconds to 5 minutes).Contemplated diffusion times include periods less than 48 hrs, 24 hrs,10 hrs, 6 hrs, 2 hrs, 1 hr, 30 min, 15 min, 10 min, 5 min, 1 min, 30sec, 10 sec, or 1 sec. Reporters that are placed on skin are able topenetrate the skin and be transported to a depth from the surface offrom about 10 μm to about 300 μm into the tissue and are brought incontact with a specific metabolite, wherein a change in fluorescence orabsorption (e.g., measured using fluorescence or absorptionspectroscopy) of the one or more reporters occurs, thereby allowingquantification of the change in fluorescence or absorption that providesdetailed in vivo information regarding picomolar through millimolarcellular metabolite and precursor levels for living tissue, organs,interstitial fluid, and whole organisms.

The reporters can be monitored non-invasively using any low-costinstrumentation capable of directly analyzing the metabolic state intissue (e.g., using optical instrumentation). The reporters are chosento specifically enhance the signal of pre-specified analytes in order toassess metabolic state of a tissue or organism and to yield detailed,real-time information regarding the state of intracellular andextracellular metabolism.

Methods are provided for the direct measurement of intracellular andextracellular metabolism in epidermal or epithelial cells using thesereporters in combination with fluorescence or absorption detection. Thespecific optical signal used to measure metabolite or precursor levelsis derived from emission or reflection using fluorophores oranalyte-binding proteins with fluorescence labels. Theseanalyte-enhancing molecules, e.g., SMMRs, have specific properties asdescribed herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides methods for deriving SMMRs asfollows: (1) delineating the metabolites or precursors (analytes)required to characterize a metabolic pathway in a living system (e.g.,see FIG. 34 for various/optional alternative glucose metabolismpathways); (2) selecting a basic mechanism of action for the SMMR (seeFIGS. 22-27 for examples of glycolytic activities); (3) selecting thewavelength options for excitation and emission of the SMMR by absorptionand fluorescence measurements; (4) selecting molecular structure to meetquantum efficiency and yield requirements; (5) selecting location,diffusion rate, and duration or lifetime of the SMMR within the tissueor organ layers; (6) selecting toxicity requirements and limitations;and (7) relating measured real-time metabolic conditions to normalversus disease state for diagnostics or patient care.

In order to accomplish this, the reporter is derived using a combinationof molecular properties including, but not limited to, specificmolecular size, polarity, charge, structure, pKa, solubility, and thesize and type of molecular attachments or anchors. Each of the steps areprovided to optimize the real-time monitoring of metabolic conditions inliving cells using non-invasive, in vivo, and low-cost instrumentation,as described herein.

Metabolic pathways for glucose, fructose, and galactose have beendescribed in detail in numerous references delineating biochemicalpathways (See, Metzler, D. E., 1977, Biochemistry: The ChemicalReactions of Living Cells, Academic Press, New York, pp. 539-543, 673;Stryer, L., 1988, Biochemistry, 3^(rd) Ed., W.H. Freeman and Company,New York, pp. 349-370; Champe, P. C., Harvey, R. A., 1994, Biochemistry,2^(nd) Ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, pp. 61-157).

Metabolic monitoring, as provided using the reporters of the invention,requires a detailed understanding of the metabolic pathways and analytesrequired to understand the relationship between a measured analyte andthe metabolic or disease state. Simply measuring a specific analyte doesnot necessarily give detailed information on disease or metabolic stateof cells, tissues, or organisms. FIGS. 22-27 show various metabolicpathways of interest, and depict how the reporters of the invention canbe used to analyze specific analytes for the assessment of metabolicfunction, providing detailed information on glucose metabolism, fructosemetabolism and/or galactose metabolism. Examples of specific analytesinclude, but are not limited to, glucose, NAD(P)H, ATP, NADH, FAD,lactate, Ca²⁺, and O₂.

The invention provides sensor compositions that can be present in theepidermis at a depth from the surface of the skin of about 10 μm, whichcorresponds to the bottom of the dead stratum corneum layer, to about175 μm, which typically corresponds to the top of the dermal layer.However, those skilled in the art will recognize that depths up to about1500 μm are also contemplated as part of the invention. In a preferredembodiment, the sensor compositions of the invention can be present inthe epidermis at a depth from the surface of the skin to about 175 μm.However, in certain embodiments, the sensor composition can be presentin the epidermis at a depth from the surface of the skin to about 300μm, about 500 μm, about 1000 μm and about 1500 μm. For example, when thesensor compositions are present on the eyelids, the sensor compositionmay be present in the epidermis at a depth from the surface of the skinof about 50 μm. When the sensor compositions of the invention arepresent on the soles of the feet, it may be desirable for thecompositions to be present in the epidermis at a depth from the surfaceof the skin of up to about 1500 μm. Thus, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the sensor composition may be present in the epidermis atvarying depths from the surface of the skin depending on site ofmeasurement and variation among individuals.

The skin SMMR compositions are present in the epidermis at an effectiveconcentration that allows one or more metabolites or analytes in ametabolic pathway to be detected in a subject or biological sample.

The invention is designed to target analytes capable of providingdetailed information for peripheral tissue metabolic pathways that aredriven specifically by the measured analyte or analytes. Where thesebiosynthetic processes require multiple analytes, or are for metabolicsystems that are distinctly non-linear, analytes representing more thanone pathway may be combined to model such systems. A final measurementsystem for multiple analytes provides a wide dynamic range and is lessprone to interference. For human subjects, first principle mathematicalmodels can be developed, preferably for individual subjects, morepreferably for small local populations, and most preferably for theuniversal case.

The mechanism of action of any specific reporter of the invention isrelated to its unique properties in interacting in real-time with aknown metabolic biochemical reaction for the explicit purpose ofinstantaneously defining metabolic function in living tissue. It isnoted that one skilled in the art could easily adapt this invention foreither additional in vivo or in vitro applications on other tissue, ifdesired, by using the same principles taught herein.

In one embodiment, the invention provides in vivo methods for monitoringand controlling disease states that affect metabolic processes in livingorganisms by applying one or more reporters to a surface of the skin fora predetermined period of time; causing penetration of the reporter to adepth of about 10 μm to about 175 μm; monitoring a change in thefluorescence or absorption based upon peripheral or epithelial tissuemetabolite levels; and correlating the metabolite levels withinperipheral or epithelial tissue with cellular metabolite levels, therebymonitoring and controlling disease states that affect metabolicprocesses in living organisms.

In another embodiment, the invention provides in vivo methods fordetermining the metabolic health and well-being in living organisms byapplying one or more reporters to a surface of the skin for apredetermined period of time; causing penetration of the reporter to adepth of about 10 μm to about 175 μm; monitoring a change in thefluorescence or absorption based upon peripheral or epithelial tissuemetabolite levels; and correlating the metabolite levels withinperipheral or epithelial tissue with cellular metabolite levels, therebydetermining the metabolic health and well-being in living organisms.

The invention also provides methods for monitoring the concentration ofone or more metabolite(s) or analyte(s) in a metabolic pathway using thesensor compositions of the invention. According to these methods, thesensor composition is applied to the surface of the skin for apredetermined period of time. The sensor composition penetrates theepidermis to a depth of about 10 μm, which corresponds to the bottom ofthe dead stratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, which corresponds tothe top of the dermal layer. An optical reader is used to monitorchanges in the concentration of the one or more metabolite(s) oranalyte(s) in a metabolic pathway. These changes in concentration aremonitored by detecting changes in one or more reporter dyes, at one ormore points in time. Monitoring the change in metabolite or analyteconcentration can be accomplished by detecting at least one wavelengthabove 350 nm, including wavelengths above 400 nm, 450 nm, 500 nm, 550nm, 600 nm, 650 nm, 700 nm, 750 nm, 800 nm, 850 nm, 900 nm and above. Ina preferred embodiment, the change in metabolite or analyteconcentration can be accomplished by detecting at least one wavelengthabove 450 nm.

The invention provides methods for determining the concentration of atleast one metabolite or analyte in skin tissue. According to thesemethods, a small molecule metabolite reporter SMMR is administered tothe skin tissue. The SMMR penetrates to a region of the skin at a depthbetween the dermis and the epidermis, wherein the depth from the surfaceof the skin is from about 10 μm to about 175 μm. The SMMR is irradiatedwith a source of electromagnetic radiation, and the fluorescence spectraemitted from the SMMR is detected. The emitted fluorescence spectra arethen analyzed, which results in a determination of the concentration ofthe metabolite or analyte. Measuring the fluorescence spectra accordingto these methods can include a bloodless calibration procedure, such as,for example, the procedure(s) outlined in equations 13, 16, 17, 18, 19,20 and 21 set forth herein (See Examples 5-8).

The ability to derive primary and secondary order information regardingreal time, dynamic glucose metabolism (such as the direction and rate ofchange of bioavailable glucose distributed within the blood andinterstitial fluid space) is desirable. In vivo fluorescence(autofluorescence) has been used for a number of years to determine themetabolic state and to monitor pharmaceutical effects in cells andtissues. See, e.g., Dellinger et al., Biotechnol Appl Biochem, 28 (Pt.1): 25-32, (1998). Consideration of the photophysics involved inautofluorescence rapidly leads one to the conclusion that the use ofautofluorescence alone, as the analytic probe or mechanism, imposes somesevere limitations on any measurement technique. Specifically,signal-to-noise is not sufficient to meet the requirements for anaccurate, low-cost, quantitative measurement.

Recently, the state-of-the-art in making time resolved fluorescencemeasurements have advanced to a degree whereby robust and low-costinstrumentation can be readily assembled. However, effectivemeasurements have only been made in vitro for specific analytes, andreal-time in vivo analysis has yet to be reported. Researchers have usedphase-modulation fluorometry in vitro to demonstrate first generationsensing devices for a number of analytes (pO₂, pH, pCO₂, NH₃, etc.). Seee.g., Dalbey, R. E., et al., J. Biochem. Biophys. Meth., 9: 251-266,(1984). The use of long lifetime red-sensitive probes has resulted intransdermal sensing becoming a reality since human skin is translucentat wavelengths above 630 nm.

Fluorescent lifetime-based sensing offers novel applications in thebioprocessing and biomedical arenas. For instance, in measurement ofGreen Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a marker for expression ofheterologous proteins does not require any additional co-factors for itsvisualization. GFP-fusion proteins have been expressed in a variety ofcell lines and in situ measurements in bioreactors have been made.Fluorescence polarization measurements for the quantitation of largeantigens, such as antibodies labeled with long-lived fluorescent labels,can, in principle, directly measure antigens of several million Daltons(Da).

Fluorescence techniques are capable of detecting molecular species atpicomole (pm) levels or less. This sensitivity arises because of thesimplicity of detecting single photons against a dark background. Thisadvantage disappears if there are other fluorescent species in thedetection volume that is obtained from the sample material beingmeasured. Furthermore, fluorescence intensity is not an absolutetechnique and measurements must be referenced to an internal standardusing a ratiometric or comparative method.

Autofluorescence arises from the innate fluorescence of compounds thatare not particularly efficient fluorophores and that are notphotostable. Because of these properties, detectors for autofluorescenceneed to have an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, with sufficient dynamicrange, and require that the excitation source be of low enough power soas not to cause photosensitization. In addition, there are a number offluorescing species present in the skin that constitute a significantbackground signal. The situation is further complicated in that it isquite difficult to identify or introduce a standard optical referencematerial or apparatus into the skin.

Fluorophores, or colored dyes utilizing absorption spectroscopy, can beused to measure glucose in solution or serum by using a series ofseparate generic reagents. These generic reagents include, but are notlimited to, glucose oxidase (which oxidizes glucose forming hydrogenperoxide) or peroxidase (generally horseradish peroxidase (“HRP”) usedto create an oxidizing reaction in the presence of hydrogen peroxidewith the dye or fluorophore), and a dye reagent or fluorophore, whichchanges its color or fluorescence spectrum when brought in contact withhydrogen peroxide and peroxidase. The resultant colored or fluorescentspecies is measured with a colorimeter or fluorometer, and the amount ofglucose in solution is calculated. In addition, other standardanalytical techniques have been shown to be commercially useful formeasuring hydrogen peroxide generated from the reaction of glucoseoxidase and glucose.

Tissues derive free energy from the oxidation of fuel molecules,including glucose and fatty acids. In energy releasing metabolicprocesses, fuel molecules transfer electrons to carrier molecules fortransport and conservation. These basic carrier molecules are eitherpyridine nucleotides or flavins. The carrier molecules, in their reducedform, transfer high-energy electrons to molecular oxygen by means of anelectron transport chain located in the inner membrane of mitochondria.Upon electron transport, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and orthophosphate(P_(i)) yield adenosine triphosphate (ATP) useful as an energy source inmany metabolic processes.

Aerobic glycolysis results in the biosynthesis of pyruvate which servesas a substrate for the mitochondria. In turn, this substrate feedsoxidative phosphorylation resulting in ATP production. Mitochondrialinner membrane redox potential can be measured using the reporters ofthe invention as an indication of healthy or perturbed aerobic cellfunction as exemplified by oxidative phosphorylation. The mitochondrialmembrane potential indicates status of the biosynthetic process of ATPproduction for powering cellular metabolism. This ATP synthesis isdirectly coupled to the flow of electrons from the reduced forms of thecoenzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H), and flavin adenine dinucleotide(FADH₂) to molecular oxygen (O₂) by a proton gradient across the innermitochondrial membrane.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) is a major electron acceptor inthe oxidation of fuel molecule (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose)oxidation. The nicotinamide ring of NAD⁺ (oxidized form) accepts ahydrogen ion plus two electrons becoming NADH (reduced form). Anothermajor electron acceptor is flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) due to itsisoalloxazine ring. The oxidized form of FAD is denoted as FAD, whereasthe reduced form is FADH₂. The major electron donor in most reductivebiosyntheses is NAD(P)H (reduced form). The oxidized form of thiselectron donor is NAD(P)⁺. NADH is used for ATP production, whereasNAD(P)H is used for reductive biosynthesis. SMMRs are useful for energytransfer enhancement for direct detection of NADH and NAD(P)H as well asFADH₂ thereby indicating biosynthetic activity levels. An increase inthe formation of these electron transfer species can be measured and isindicative of substrate concentration (e.g. glucose) and overallmetabolic health and activity.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the devices, compositions,and methods effectively determine and monitor the glucose concentrationin blood for a living organism by non-invasive, in vivo measurement ofthe glucose level in skin by means of fluorescence measurements ofmetabolic indicators/reporters of glucose metabolism, or by means ofdirect measurement of glucose levels in the skin, as described below.

Indirect Measurements using the Sensor Compositions of the Invention

This invention provides for fluorescence measurements of extracellularand intracellular reporter molecules placed into the cytosol, nucleus,or organelles of cells within intact, living, tissue that track theconcentration of blood glucose in an organism. When any one of a seriesof metabolites or analytes is measured using this technique, the molarconcentration of blood glucose can be calculated. The one or moremetabolite(s) or analyte(s) can directly report on, and relate to, invivo blood glucose levels. Suitable metabolites or analytes include forexample, lactate; hydrogen ion (H⁺); pH (as lactate/H⁺); calcium ion(Ca²⁺) pumping rate; magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pumping rate; sodium ion (Na⁺)pumping rate; potassium (K⁺) pumping rate; adenosine triphosphate (ATP);adenosine diphosphate (ADP); the ratio of ATP to ADP; glycogen;pyruvate; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, oxidized form(NAD(P)+); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form(NAD(P)H); flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form (FAD⁺); flavinadenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂); or oxygen (O₂) utilization.These analytes, measured in skin using the techniques taught herein,provide a complete picture of epidermal skin metabolism where localepidermal analyte (glucose) quantities are proportional to theconcentration of glucose in systemic blood, specifically the capillaryfields within the papillary layer of the dermis (corium). Temperatureand/or nitric oxide measurement may also be combined with the abovemeasurements for better calibration and determination of glucoseconcentrations.

The invention provides methods for monitoring in vivo blood glucoselevels by applying the sensor composition of the invention to a surfaceof the skin for a predetermined period of time. The sensor compositionpenetrate the epidermis to a depth of about 10 μm, which corresponds tothe bottom of the dead stratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, whichcorresponds to the top of the dermal layer. However, depths up to about300 μm are also contemplated as part of the invention. An optical readeris used to detect changes in the reporter dye by monitoring changes inthe concentration of the one or more metabolites or analytes. The changein the concentration of the one or more metabolites or analytes is thencorrelated with in vivo blood glucose levels. Monitoring the change inmetabolite or analyte concentration can be accomplished by detecting atleast one wavelength above 350 nm.

The invention also provides methods for measuring in vivo blood glucoselevels through the skin by monitoring, in a population of cells, one ormore relevant metabolites or analytes in at least one metabolic pathway.The one or more metabolite(s), parameter(s) or analyte(s) is monitoredby measuring the fluorescence spectrum emitted by a reporter compositionlocated in the skin. The fluorescence spectrum emitted by the reporteris stoichiometrically related to the metabolite, parameter or analyteconcentration in the population of cells. The in vivo blood glucoselevel is determined by analyzing the fluorescence spectrum, using theknown stoichiometric relationship between the fluorescence spectrum ofthe reporter and the metabolite, parameter or analyte concentration.

The population of cells can have a predominantly glucose metabolism, oralternatively, the population of cells can be induced to have a glucosemetabolism. The population of cells in the skin can be located in theepidermis, which contains a dynamic, metabolically homogeneous, andhomeostatic population of cells. For example, the population of cellshaving a glucose metabolism can include live keratinocytes. These livekeratinocytes can be present in the epidermal layer of skin. In somecases, the live keratinocytes can be present in the skin at a depth,from the surface of the skin, of about 10 μm, which corresponds to thebottom of the dead stratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, whichcorresponds to the top of the dermal layer.

The metabolic pathways monitored within the population of cells,according to these methods for measuring in vivo blood glucose levelsthrough the skin, can be monitored by measuring a specific metabolite oranalyte of the glycolytic pathway, wherein the specific metabolite oranalyte has a known stoichiometric or highly correlated relationshipwith glucose concentration. The metabolic pathways can also be monitoredwithin the population of cells by observing a physico-chemical parameterthat is related to the glycolytic pathway, wherein the selectedphysico-chemical parameter has a stoichiometric or highly correlatedrelationship with glucose concentration.

Metabolites produced as the result of glycolysis that are present in thecell can also be measured in vivo, using the reporters of the invention.These metabolites include lactate; hydrogen ion (H⁺); calcium ion (Ca²⁺)pumping rate; magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pumping rate; sodium ion (Na⁺)pumping rate; potassium ion (K⁺) pumping rate; adenosine triphosphate(ATP); adenosine diphosphate (ADP); the ratio of ATP to ADP; inorganicphosphate (P_(i)); glycogen; pyruvate; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotidephosphate, oxidized form (NAD(P)+); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(phosphate), reduced form (NAD(P)H); flavin adenine dinucleotide,oxidized form (FAD); flavin adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂);or oxygen (O₂) utilization. Individually or in combination, thesemetabolites measured in skin using the techniques taught herein give acomplete picture of epidermal skin glucose metabolism, and an indirectmeasure of the quantity of glucose molecules entering the cells.

The population of cells to be monitored in these methods for measuringin vivo blood glucose levels through the skin can have a predominantlyoxidative metabolism, or alternatively, the population of cells can beinduced to have a metabolism predominantly based on oxidativephosphorylation. The metabolic pathways monitored within the populationof cells can be monitored by measuring a metabolite or analyte that isgenerated as a result of the oxidative metabolic pathway, wherein thespecific metabolite or analyte has a stoichiometric or highly correlatedrelationship with glucose concentration. Alternatively, the metabolicpathways can be monitored within the population of cells by observing aphysico-chemical parameter that is generated as a result of theoxidative metabolic pathway, wherein the physico-chemical parameter hasa stoichiometric or highly correlated relationship with glucoseconcentration.

The invention also provides methods for determining blood glucoseconcentration. According to these methods, a first instrument responsemeasurement is performed using a calibration target, and the responsedata is recorded. A first SMMR mixture is applied to the skin in afirst, controlled area, such that the SMMR resides in the epidermallayer of the skin, and a second SMMR mixture is applied to the skin in asecond, controlled area. The second area is perturbed, such that extremechanges that the mixture may undergo are achieved. The extreme changecan be, for example, a change in concentration of the analyte comprisinga zero or low concentration and a saturation level or highconcentration; or the extreme change can be, for example, a change intemperature, as described herein. A second calibration measurement isthen performed on the perturbed area, and the calibration data isrecorded. A third background measurement is made on an area of skin thathas no SMMR, whereby this background data is recorded. A measurement onthe first area is performed by illuminating the first area with light,and the wavelength spectrum of light reflected back from the first areais detected. Further measurements on the first area are performed atwavelengths suitable for each SMMR present. A parameter from theresponse data is calculated in order to normalize the background data,calibration data and measurement data for the response of thespectrometer. A parameter from the background data is calculated inorder to correct the calibration data and measurement data for emission,absorption and scattering properties of the tissue. A metaboliteparameter from the calibration data is calculated in order to relate themeasurement data to the blood glucose concentration.

The invention also provides methods of calculating a blood glucoseconcentration. Accurate direct or indirect in vivo measurement ofglucose concentration in immortal cell lines, human keratinocyte cellcultures, and mammalian (including human) skin are achieved by usingthis application of in vivo fluorescence labeling and detection of SMMRsin skin. According to these methods, a background response and anautofluorescence tissue response is measured from a calibration targetthat includes an epidermal layer of skin. A first dye is provided to afirst skin location, and residues of the first dye mixture aretransferred into the epidermal layer of the skin. A second dye isprovided to a second skin location, and at least one extreme change inthe mixture is triggered and recorded. The extreme change can be, forexample, a change in concentration of the analyte comprising a zero orlow concentration and a saturation level or high concentration; or theextreme change can be, for example, a change in temperature, asdescribed herein. These extremes are used to calibrate the sensorenabling it to measure a test sample accurately with a concentrationbetween the extremes. See e.g., equations (13) through (21), asdescribed herein (Examples 5-8). The first skin location is illuminatedwith a radiative emission, and a resulting wavelength spectrum reflectedfrom the first skin location is detected. The illuminating and detectingcan be repeated using irradiation and wavelength spectra associated witheach dye provided. At least one physico-chemical parameter that isrelated to the glycolytic pathway is then detected. Preferably, thephysico-chemical parameter has a stoichiometric or highly correlatedrelationship with glucose concentration, which is used in determiningthe blood glucose concentration. The sensor system can include abloodless calibration procedure such as, the procedure(s) outlined inequations 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or 21 set forth herein (Examples 5-8).

The methods and compositions of the present invention use reporters suchthat two basic techniques are available for obtaining ratiometricmeasurements of glucose concentration or exemplary utilization versusfluorescence response. Mechanism 1 utilizes a combination of a reporterdye having a specific and fluorescence response proportional to a changein metabolite concentration, where that metabolite has a directstoichiometric relationship to a change in glucose concentration.Mechanism 1 also utilizes a marker dye, that is stable but unresponsiveto changes in glucose and is used explicitly to produce a referencesignal. In this case, the marker dye is used as a reference wavelengthfor the reporter dye, which changes emission at only one wavelength inresponse to glucose. An example of a suitable marker dyes includes theclass of coumarins, which fluoresce in the blue region of the spectrumand localize in the cytosol of the cell, but do not respond to a changein glucose or metabolite concentration. In certain embodiments, thereporter dye can be located in the cytosol of the cell, and the markerdye can be in a different cellular compartment. One skilled in the artof photochemistry (including synthetic organic chemistry) can readilysynthesize derivatives of these dyes that have these altered properties.For example, alkyl coumarins maintain the fluorescent properties of thecoumarin parent but localize in the membranes of cell.

Alternatively, the sensor composition can include a dye that exhibits awavelength shift in absorption or fluorescence emission in the presenceof a metabolite, such as, for example, glucose. In this second case,Mechanism 2, only one dye is used that has two wavelengths wherefluorescence signal varies with the introduction of D-glucoseconcentration to living cells (i.e., a first emission wavelength of thefluorescence spectrum increases with glucose, while a second emissionwavelength decreases). The ratio of the first and second emissionwavelengths can be determined, thereby allowing the selected dye to actas a self-referencing reporter. This phenomenon is illustrated in FIGS.3-5, and 8 with analytical results demonstrated in FIG. 9. Themechanisms by which SMMRs report on the rate and quantity of metabolicactivity, particularly glycolytic processes for the invention aredescribed herein.

Prediction of Blood Glucose from Skin Glucose

The fluorescence measurement of extracellular and intracellular reportermolecules placed into the cytosol, nucleus, or organelles of cellswithin intact living tissue will track the concentration of bloodglucose in an organism. When any one of a series of analytes ormetabolites is measured using this technique, the molar concentration ofblood glucose can be calculated. Fluorescence measurements of metabolitereporters described for this invention in a metabolic pathway ofinterest can be taken from one or more of the following parameters: pH(e.g., as lactate/H+); redox potential; NAD(P)H (nicotinamide adeninedinucleotide phosphate, for the reduced form using energy transfer);FAD⁺ (flavin adenine dinucleotide, for the oxidized form using energytransfer); ATP/ADP ratio; Ca²⁺-pumping rate; Mg²⁺-pumping rate;Na⁺-pumping rate; K⁺-pumping rate; and redox potential of mitochondrialand other cellular membranes.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the lag time between bloodglucose levels and glucose levels in non-perturbed epidermis is 2.9 to 4percent per minute for the differential concentrations. Thus, the timerequired for the epidermis to reach an equilibrium with blood glucose atsteady-state is 25 to 35 minutes as described by K. Jungheim and T.Koschinsky Diabetes Care 25(6), 956, 2002; and J. Ellison et al.Diabetes Care 25(6), 961, 2002. When blood glucose is rapidly increasing(hyperglycemia) or decreasing (hypoglycemia), this lag time becomes acritical issue for determining the response of any blood glucosemonitor.

Thus, a rapid response is required for identifying important healthrelated changes in glucose level and to avoid critical blood glucosescenarios. In one embodiment, issues of rapid response are addressed byusing elevated temperatures at the measurement site to increase bloodflow to these regions. The sensors are calibrated by comparing actualblood glucose to the sensor output. The zero and slope of the sensorcalibration are determined by measuring an initial glucose level and alater glucose level to determine the change in glucose. The sensorcalibration is then measured as [G]=K₁(sensor response)+K₀. The K₁ andK₀ values are entered into the sensor and calibration is checked againsta reference standard material. The reference standard material iscomprised of a matrix, which responds to glucose concentration in such away as to provide primary standard concentration and response data.

In addition, the measurement of temperature may be combined with director indirect fluorescence measurements of glucose using one or more ofthe following parameter measurements: pH (as lactate and/or H⁺); redoxpotential; inorganic phosphate (P_(i)); glycogen; pyruvate; nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide phosphate, oxidized form (NAD(P)⁺); nicotinamideadenine dinucleotide (phosphate), reduced form (NAD(P)H); flavin adeninedinucleotide, oxidized form (FAD⁺) for energy transfer; flavin adeninedinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂) for energy transfer; adenosinetriphosphate (ATP); adenosine diphosphate (ADP); the ATP/ADP ratio;Ca²⁺-pumping rate; Mg²⁺-pumping rate; Na⁺-pumping rate; K⁺-pumping rate;oxygen (O₂) utilization and vital mitochondrial membranestains/dyes/molecules fluorescence response. These analytes measured inskin using the techniques taught herein give a complete picture ofepidermal skin glycolytic metabolism where local epidermal analyte(glucose) quantities are proportional to the concentration of glucose insystemic blood, specifically the capillary fields within the papillarylayer of the dermis (corium). The control of temperature at themeasurement site, or the additional measurement of temperature, can beuseful to correct measured fluorescence for optical pathlength,vasodilation, perfusion, and local physiology.

The fluorescence response of the reporter protein is then related toblood glucose level by the relationships shown in equations M1 and M2.The action of a reporter meeting the requirements of this inventioninclude those molecules that are reactive with glucose following themechanisms described herein. The reporter (used singly or incombination) has an affinity for and a response to the presence ofglucose in a quantity that is directly proportional to the concentrationof glucose within the individual cells or interstitial fluids, includingblood. All such reporters useful for this invention are preferablynontoxic, non-carcinogenic, non-teratogenic, and do not deleteriouslyaffect the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or natural sunlight.The reporters included in the present invention are highly fluorescentor absorptive, evenly dispersible in the cell and interstitial cellfluid, do not aggregate or agglomerate, and do not exhibitbinding-dependent fluorescent efficiency and quantum yields. Preferably,the reporters do not inhibit or restrict normal cell metabolism noradversely affect cell viability or health in the concentrations andmanner used.

Indirect measurement of blood glucose concentration is made as follows.A first molecule that exhibits no fluorescence or absorptive change witha change in glucose or other specific metabolites (i.e., the markermolecule) and a second molecule that exhibits direct changes influorescence intensity with a change in glucose (i.e., the reportermolecule) are measured individually. The molecules are safe, relativelypermanent, and non-absorbing into the dermal tissue. Individual moleculefluorescence intensity measurements are ideally made using anultraviolet or visible light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode for anexcitation source or an equivalent known to those skilled in the art.The emission detector collects the light from the emission of themolecule signal within the skin and calculates the ratio of reporter dyefluorescence or absorption (following a predetermined lag time as lagt)to the marker dye fluorescence or absorption (following the same lagperiod lagt). A linear univariate computational formula for calibratingsuch an analyzer for blood glucose is given in equation M1 as:

$\begin{matrix}{\left\lbrack {Glucose}_{Blood} \right\rbrack = {{k_{4} \times \frac{{Reporter}\mspace{14mu} {signal}_{lagt}}{{Marker}\mspace{14mu} {signal}_{lagt}}} + k_{o}}} & ({M1})\end{matrix}$

where k₁ is the regression coefficient (slope) for the line describing achange in fluorescence or absorption signal for the Reporter to Markerratio versus glucose concentration in the blood, and k₀ is thecalibration line intercept. Additionally, a change in glucoseconcentration over a time interval from T₁ to T₂ involves the followingrelationship shown in equation M2:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta \;\left\lbrack {Glucose}_{Blood} \right\rbrack} = {{k_{4} \times \frac{{Reporter}\mspace{14mu} {{signal}_{lagt}\left( {T_{2} - T_{1}} \right)}}{{Marker}\mspace{14mu} {{signal}_{lagt}\left( {T_{2} - {T\; 1}} \right)}}} + k_{o}}} & \left( {M\; 2} \right)\end{matrix}$

where Δ[Glucose_(Blood)] represents the change in blood glucoseconcentration and the terms (T₂−T₁) represent the change in reporter ormarker dye fluorescence or absorption over the time interval measured.

The dyes described within this invention may also exhibit an exponentialrelationship between fluorescence or absorption intensity and glucoseconcentration such that the computational formula for calibrating suchan analyzer for blood glucose is given as equation M3:

[Glucose_(blood) ]=k ₀ e ^(k) ₁ ^(R)  (M3)

where R is the ratio of Reporter signal_(lagt) to Marker signal_(lagt).

Once activated, the response of the tissue cells to metabolite contentor metabolic state is monitored directly using an optical reader. Theoptical reader calculates the tissue response to metabolite levels,applies first principles mathematical models to the response, andprovides a determination of the organ, system, or organism metabolitelevels.

A quality value is simultaneously calculated, which tells the user thequality of the measurement taken and of the resultant metabolite valuereported. Based on this quality value, the user may be instructed tomake one or more additional measurements until the quality value isindicative of an accurately reported metabolite value result.

It should be noted that an extension of this embodiment is the additionof other reporters, which are allowed to penetrate more deeply into thetissue; in some cases penetrating as far as 300 μm of the tissue. Insome applications, reporters may be applied into the deeper layers oftissues and organs. In other embodiments of this invention, injection oringestion of reporters into the bloodstream, or into specific organs ortissues may be utilized and the resultant fluorescence or absorptionresponse measured at the site of application using an optical readerhaving remote optics.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that FAD and FADH₂ are formed inthe citric acid cycle during aerobic (oxidative) biosynthesis and areused for electron transport in this pathway. FIG. 24 shows anaerobicglycolysis, where NAD(P)H is the major electron donor for reductivebiosynthesis.

The invention also provides SMMRs that are combined with a small reagentstrip in order to calibrate a sensor used for direct in vivo,non-invasive glucose measurement. This calibration strip is used for asingle reaction to adjust the glucose sensor response and is thendepleted. Each calibration ideally requires a new calibration strip foradjusting the sensor response. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat such a reagent strip can be used to detect glucose in fluidswithdrawn from the body.

Cellular Respiration

The implications and status of cellular respiration can be determined bymolecular oxygen consumption. The classic method for determining oxygenconsumption in living organisms is to cut small pieces of living tissueand study respiration rate using a Fenn-Winterstein type respirometer(See Wennesland, R., Science 114: 100-103, 1951). This method hasobvious drawbacks for day-to-day monitoring of human subjects. Thus,SMMRs that detect oxygen levels are also provided.

Some tissues and organisms vary widely in respiration rate. Therespiration rate is also known to vary with cell size in terms ofsurface area-to-volume ratio. Oxygen consumption is proportional to cellsurface area. When overall cell size increases, respiration ratedecreases. The respiration rate of a tissue or whole organisms is thearithmetic sum of the rates of its component cells. Metabolic ratechanges for some cell types may vary by a factor of 100 as a function ofcell activity levels. Temperature affects respiratory rate such that a10° C. rise in temperature increases rate by 2 to 4 times. Oxygenpartial pressure and water concentration also affect respiration rate,but only when levels are abnormally high or low.

Redox Potential and Ion Pumping

Reduction potential in cells, tissues, and organisms is indicative ofglycolytic activity and respiration health of cells, tissues, and wholeorganisms. Direct measurement of intracellular redox potential in cellsindicates mitochondrial health and levels of aerobic (i.e., increasedmitochondrial activity due to oxidative phosphorylation, reduction orcessation of lactate production, increased oxygen consumption) versusanaerobic respiration (i.e., cessation or decrease in mitochondrialactivity due to inhibited oxidative phosphorylation, as well asincreased lactate production, and decreased oxygen consumption). Theseindicators yield direct ability to assess the health state of cells inreal-time.

Biochemical reactions for respiration, glycolysis, and other basicmetabolic processes require the transfer of electrons from one molecule(or atom) to another. These are termed oxidation-reduction (redox)reactions. Oxidation is a term used to denote loss of electrons from amolecule, whereas reduction is the term used to denote a gain ofelectrons in a molecule. Electrons are neither created or destroyed inredox reactions and, thus, when one molecule is oxidized, another isreduced. The transfer of a single hydrogen atom is equivalent to atransfer of one proton and one electron.

Many important redox reactions that occur in living systems involve thetransfer of hydrogen rather than the transfer of isolated electrons. Theaffinity of a molecule to accept electrons is termed its reductionpotential, and when measured under standard conditions it is denoted bythe symbol (E₀′). Reduction potential is measured in volts (V) on ascale relative to a value of 0.0 V for the half-reaction of hydrogen atstandard conditions (i.e., 1 atmosphere pressure, 1 molar concentrationof reactants, and 25° C.). Values for the redox potential in livingcells may vary because the reactants are not normally at 1 Mconcentration. A positive redox potential indicates that a molecule hasmore affinity for electrons than the hydrogen ion (H⁺). Furthermore, inredox reactions electrons move toward the molecule with a positivereduction potential.

In redox reactions, the total electric potential or voltage change (ΔE)is equal to the arithmetic sum of the individual oxidation or reductionsteps. The voltage change can also be denoted as equivalent to a changein the chemical free energy (ΔG). This chemical free energy iscalculated using a constant specifying the charge in 1 mole of electronsas 96,500 joules per volt, referred to as the Faraday constant (ℑ). Itshould be noted that the oxidation potential is simply the negativevalue of the reduction potential. A positive ΔG indicates a reactionwill not occur spontaneously, however in biochemical reactions, apositive ΔG reaction is often coupled with a negative ΔG reaction ofgreater magnitude, thus the reaction proceeds.

Biological reduction-oxidation (redox) potential (E₀) is affected by thepresence of molecular oxygen (O₂) and by hydrogen ion concentration,which is measured as pH. Many cellular redox reactions, such as those inglycolysis, involve electron transfer and hydrogen transfer. In thesereactions, E₀ (the reduction potential, in volts) changes with pH. Anincrease in pH creates a decrease in E₀′ (the standard reductionpotential) whenever the concentration of the oxidant equals theconcentration of the reductant. See, Hewitt, L. F., Oxidation-ReductionPotentials in Bacteriology and Biochemistry, 2¹ Ed. Williams & Wilkins,Baltimore, Md., USA, 1950.

Dyes have been proposed as an in vitro means for measuring redoxpotential in living cells. However, such dyes have not been used orspecified for use to indicate in vivo metabolic pathway delineation inliving organisms for the expressed purpose of assessing health andwell-being of tissues or organs. Furthermore, in vitro dyes usingabsorption spectroscopy are typically less sensitive by two orders ofmagnitude to metabolic changes compared to fluorescent. Currentcommercial absorption and fluorescent dyes have not been optimized formolecular characteristics. Thus, they are not optimal for use innon-invasive, in vivo monitoring of metabolic conditions derived from insitu measurements made on living subjects.

Previous work with in vitro dyes and fluorophores used in cell or tissuecultures has specified that, in order to use these dyes for in vitromembrane potential measurement of cells, one must determine: (1) thereduction potential (E_(o)), (2) the standard reduction potential (E₀′),and (3) the titration curves for each oxidizable dye used (See, Giese,A. C., 1973, Cell Physiology, 4^(th) Ed. W.B. Saunders Company,Philadelphia, pp. 420-429). In this invention, a specific SMMR isdesigned such that when the SMMR comes in contact (in vivo and in situ)with the analyte or metabolite of interest, the appropriate opticalresponse occurs. Preferably, this optical response is fluorescence, butalternative absorption mechanisms are not excluded where signal issufficient for measurement using low-cost instrumentation.

SMMR have the above basic properties as well as the ability to beapplied locally and topically, in trace quantities (from about 10 toabout 400 μL of a 1 to 50 μM mixture), using a small molecule in solventsolutions that are transparent to visible light, and that have apre-specified temporary residence at the application site (from about 5seconds to about 30 days).

As noted, a negative reduction potential indicates a substance has loweraffinity for electrons than hydrogen (H₂), whereas a positive reductionpotential indicates a substance has higher affinity for electrons thanH₂. Thus, the coenzymes NADH, NAD(P)H, and FADH₂ are strong reducingagents and have negative reduction potentials. Molecular oxygen (O₂) isa strong oxidizing agent having a positive reduction potential. NAD(P)H,NADH, and FADH₂ are coenzymes acting as reducing agents and haveelectron transfer potential useful for providing electrons forbiological metabolic pathways. The electron transfer potential isConverted to phosphate transfer potential (ΔG⁰) in the form of ATP. Inredox reactions, an oxidized form of a substance (X⁺) and a reduced form(X⁻) make up a redox couple. Therefore, NAD(P)H, NADH, and FADH₂ can bedetected using reporters of the invention for sensing either energytransfer or redox potential. The energy transfer for these coenzymes isdemonstrated in FIG. 29 and the redox potential measurement is made asillustrated in FIG. 30. The redox potential is measured at the innermitochondrial membrane.

In energy transfer measurements using SMMR methodology, external energyfrom a handheld sensor is applied to target cells containing naturallyoccurring fluorophores such as the coenzymes NADH, NAD(P)H, or FADH₂. Asmall molecule metabolic reporter is added to the target tissue toprovide an energy transfer vehicle for enhancement of fluorescent yieldand efficiency. The excitation energy is absorbed by the naturalfluorophore and emitted at the absorption frequency of the reporter. Thereporter, in turn, emits enhanced signal at a pre-specified frequency.This emission frequency is preselected in order to be compatible andnon-interfering with respect to other measurements made sequentially atthe same target tissue site. Thus, the amplification factor and emissionwavelength of the reporter can be optimized for the measurement regimeselected.

The implications of measuring intracellular redox potential (whether ornot combined with other metabolites or ions) in living cells in vivousing SMMRs include, but are not limited to, the following:

A) Research in mammals has shown that orthotopic liver transplantationis associated with significant variations over time in the redoxpotential of the cytosol. Postoperative mortality is related to redoxstate of the liver cell mitochondria. Research has suggested thatabnormal tissue oxygenation can occur during liver transplantation (A.de Jaeger et al., Intensive Care Medicine, 24(3): 268-275, 1998). Thus,the physician would choose to monitor both intracellular oxygenation andmitochondrial redox state both during and after transplant surgery.SMMRs can be used to monitor both intracellular oxygenation andmitochondrial redox state using both an intracellular tissue oxygenreporter and a mitochondrial redox reporter.

B) According to the literature pertaining to emergency medicine, avariety of pathogenic mechanisms of cellular injury occur during shockin humans. See, e.g., Jeffrey A. Kline M D, Pathogenic mechanisms ofcellular injury during shock, May 8, 2001, Society for AcademicEmergency Medicine Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Ga., oral abstractpresentation found at http://www.saem.org/download/Olkline.pdf. Suchcellular metabolic changes include, e.g., (1) a transformation of cellsfrom fatty acid to carbohydrate utilization, (2) an increase in lactateproduction in cells due to metabolic conversion from aerobic toanaerobic glycolysis, and (3) an overall decrease in ATP production witha resultant decrease in calcium ion pumping and associated ATP drivenprocesses. An advanced stage of injury moving to shock in humansinvolves a hypoxic condition occurring in mitochondria of affectedcells, which creates (a) a cessation of pyruvate oxidation, (b) acessation of calcium ion pumping and ATP production, and (c) a leakingof electrons across organelle and outer cellular membranes. Furthermetabolic stress leads to lactic acidosis, a drastic change inintracellular redox potential, and increased leakage of calcium ion intothe cytosol. SMMRs enable direct measurement of real-time changes in theconcentrations of intracellular lactate, calcium ion, and redoxpotentials in affected cells and tissues. This information allowsreal-time detection of changes at the cellular level and would providerapid information relative to organ or whole organism health status forcritical care monitoring.

C) In the case of cardiac muscle under stress, the muscle cells exhibitrapid changes in glycolysis, oxygen consumption, lactic acidosis,drastic changes in intracellular redox potentials, and changes inintracellular versus extracellular calcium ion concentrations withincardiac muscle cells. Again, SMMRs enable direct measurement ofreal-time changes in the concentrations of intracellular lactate,calcium ion, and the redox potentials in affected muscle cells andtissues. This information can provide immediate detection of changes atthe cellular level for cardiac subject monitoring and would providerapid information relative to health status for critical caremonitoring.

D) Intracellular calcium ion (Ca²⁺) performs critical functions inmuscle contraction, nerve impulse transmission, ion transport, andtransmission of signals across membranes. For normal cells, theconcentration of extracellular and intracellular calcium is closelyregulated. A perturbation in normal calcium ion balance is indicative ofmetabolic stress, pre-shock, cell viability concerns, and cellmortality. SMMRs provide direct concentration information regardingintracellular and extracellular calcium ion levels.

In addition, the measurement of electric oxidation-reduction potentialacross cell membranes in vivo is an accurate indirect indicator ofglucose quantities entering the cell to fuel glycolytic processes. SMMRsreporting on changes in membrane potential are attached to cellmembranes including the inner and outer cell membranes, the nuclearmembranes, as well as those of organelles, such as mitochondrialmembranes. Membrane potential measured in skin cells using thetechniques taught herein give a complete picture of epidermal skinglycolysis.

Specific SMMRs, e.g., those acting as vital mitochondrial membranestains, require that a fluorescence response occurs upon a change inmembrane potential. Several fluorophores are know to comply with thisrequirement. These fluorophores behave in such a way as to changefluorescent intensity and emission spectral line shape in response tochanges in mitochondrial membrane potential. In the present invention,an increase in intracellular glucose concentration increases themitochondrial membrane potential and causes additional SMMR units toattach to the inner mitochondrial membrane. This increased SMMR bindingto the inner membrane causes fluorescence quenching of the SMMRproportional to changes in glucose concentration. This response is basedupon the interaction of the redox coupling of NAD⁺ and NADH, NAD(P)⁺ andNAD(P)H, FAD and FADH₂, and ion transport. Thus, optical flux changesdetected by a hand-held sensor provide detailed information regardingintracellular redox potential at the mitochondrial level suitable for anassessment of cell health and well-being. Reversible interaction betweenthe SMMR and the mitochondrial membrane allow real-time monitoring ofthese processes.

Traditional redox potential sensors involve electrodes and invasiveprocedures. Moreover, these instruments measure analytes present insolution and are not able to detect intracellular activity in anon-invasive manner. In contrast, SMMRs yield a direct, real-timemeasurement of intracellular activity relative to cellular metabolism,as well as a measurement of the direct state of health of tissues ascompared to buffered solutions surrounding tissues. Immediate andreal-time information of the intracellular metabolic state gives a morerapid and accurate indication of organism health for diagnostic-based,corrective treatment.

Diagnosis of Disease State

Many disease states in cells and organisms affect a host's/subject'smetabolic condition and efficiency. Thus a non-invasive, in vivo methodfor directly measuring intercellular and intracellular metabolic changesin tissues and organisms is valuable in assessing health versus diseaseor stress state conditions of cells, tissues, and whole organisms.

Metabolic disease states may be monitored using the reporters of theinvention by: (1) measuring NADH, NADPH, and FAD using energy transferfluorescence measurements (to validate the presence of coenzyme activityas an indication of glucose metabolism) and (2) measuring cellularreduction-oxidation potentials (indicating cellular activity); lactateformation (indicating anaerobic glycolysis in the stress state); calciumion pumping (as an indication of ATP availability); and oxygenconsumption (indicating healthy cellular respiration and aerobicglycolysis). Metabolic diseases affecting cellular respiration, ionpumping, and energy production can be monitored non-invasively forcells, tissues, organs, and systems using SMMR technology, as describedherein.

Cationic transport diseases include, but are not limited to,potassium-channel disease affecting heartbeat, epileptic tendencies, anddeafness. Sodium-channel disease can result in, e.g. muscle spasms, orosmotic imbalance leading to hypertension.

The onset of disease states affecting metabolism of glucose,accumulation of lactate, deficiencies in ion pumping and ATP formation,and changes in oxygen consumption can be detected in real-time usingSMMRs. The SMMRs are synthesized or constructed with unique and specificmolecular properties, such that a known optical signal is produced whenthe SMMR is reacted with precisely identified metabolites or precursors.The resultant optical flux is an indication of the in vivo health,stress, disease state, or necrotic conditions of tissues and organsystems. Specifically, abnormalities in glucose utilization fromanaerobic or aerobic glycolysis can be identified using SMMRs, asillustrated in FIGS. 22-27 and 34, according to the mechanisms describedin FIGS. 29-33, and 10.

For example, the details for glycolytic metabolism can be identifiedusing SMMR technology. Examples include the cellular utilization ofglucose, fructose, and galactose. Metabolic disease conditions relatedto glycolysis include diabetes mellitus (a disease condition related toinsulin regulated glucose transport or utilization/response deficiency);essential fructosuria (a deficiency in fructokinase); hereditaryfructose intolerance (a deficiency in aldolase B); and hereditaryfructose-1,6-biphosphate deficiency results in hypoglycemia, apnea,hyperventilation, ketosis and lactic acidosis due to impaired hepaticgluconeogenesis. These symptoms can take on a lethal course in neonates.For galactose metabolism, a deficiency in Galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase, galactokinase, or UDP-galactose-4-epimerase results ingalactosemia.

Deficiencies of normal metabolic activity related to glucose, fructose,or galactose metabolism can be detected in vivo by applying SMMRs to thetarget tissue and adding the appropriate sugar substrate molecules intothe immediate target area where the SMMR has entered the cells. Trackingthe metabolic rates using the SMMR in this manner allows the detectionof a normal versus abnormal metabolic state. Moreover, this test israpid and can be accomplished using low cost hand held sensors specificfor the type of SMMR used.

Determination of Vitality and Viability of Cells Based on MetabolicFunction

The health of cells can be determined based upon their normalutilization of glucose as well as by calcium ion transport (anATP-driven cellular ion pump), ATP formation, lactate formation, redoxstate, electro-motive potential, NADH⁺ or NAD(P)H⁺ or FADH₂ utilization,and oxygen consumption. For example, necrotic tissue relative tosurgical procedures such as bowel resection; acute appendicitis; frostbite; septicemia; leprosy; restricted circulation; burns from heat,chemical, or radiation exposure; trauma damage to tissue; or any othercondition where viability and vitality are essential considerations, mayneed to be assessed. There are a number of reporter molecules that whenplaced into tissue, provide precise information on cellular respiration,metabolic rate, relative health (vitality), and viability.

Healthy tissue performs a number of specialized and general functionsthat may form the basis of targeted SMMR technology. Specializedfunctionality includes, but is not limited to, the synthesis andutilization of biochemicals unique to that tissue. General functionalityincludes, but is not limited to, maintaining the integrity of the cellmembrane, the utilization of glucose and other metabolic substrates, thesynthesis of lactate in anaerobic tissue and the consumption of oxygenin aerobic tissue.

SMMRs may be diffused directly into cells and tissues to detectviability based upon active metabolism indicated by the presence ofglycolysis, ion pumping, redox potential, lactate formation andaccumulation, and oxygen consumption rates. Any of these metabolicindicators can all be measured using SMMRs as described in detail above.In addition, direct SMMRs are available for viability monitoring basedon other cellular mechanisms.

Critical Care Monitoring

The viability and metabolic health of cells can be determined by oxygenconsumption; by lactate formation; by calcium ion transport; by glucosemetabolism; by ATP production and utilization; by NADPH, NADH or FADH₂utilization; by measurements of electron transfer potential; and/or bymeasuring changes in both intracellular and extracellular restingpotential. SMMRs allow detection and real-time tracking for eachmetabolite (analyte) and allows intracellular tracking of metabolicconditions.

Thus, SMMRs, combined with low-cost spectroscopic techniques, canprovide the next generation of critical care monitoring. Advantages tothe subject and physician include: (1) obtaining information directlyfrom within the cells instead of looking at footprints, reflections orshadows of processes that affect or predict morbidity/viability, (2)exploiting the combination of new direct information with dramaticimprovements in the time constants for either degradation or improvementof subject status, (3) exploiting the ability to differentially monitorcentral and peripheral tissues to better characterize subject status,and (4) monitoring the real-time effect of anesthesia and/ortherapeutics at the intracellular level.

Skilled deployment of the SMMR/instrument platforms of the invention,which exploit these advantages, will improve subject outcomes at lowercost to the healthcare system while providing physicians with real-timecellular and organism status.

The current state-of-the art in critical care monitoring involvesassessment of the status of selected parameters in blood, e.g., glucoseand oxygen supply, and parameters such as pH and lactate for evidence ofdysfunction at the cellular, tissue, and organ level. Because blood ishighly buffered and in large volume, it is a poor source of earlywarning information and does not provide the opportunity to assess themetabolic state of cells, organs, or systems in real-time. Providingreal-time intracellular status using appropriate SMMR/instrumenttechnology (including the methods and compositions of the invention) canprovide life-saving information to the critical care medical staff andcan give appropriate and timely diagnostic warning for life savingactions.

When injury or stress occurs to a cell the electric potential changes.The magnitude of the change on electric potential is calculated usingthe well-known Nernst equation and simplified derivations thereof asfollows in equation M4:

$\begin{matrix}{E = {59.5\mspace{14mu} {\log_{10}\left( \frac{\left\lbrack e_{h} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack e_{1} \right\rbrack} \right)}}} & ({M4})\end{matrix}$

where E is the electric potential in millivolts, and e_(h) and e_(l)represent the higher concentration and lower concentration (molar) ofthe electrolyte, respectively. From this relationship, it is possible tocalculate the ionic diffusion coefficients from measurements of electricpotential from which molar concentration of transported ions can bedetermined. SMMRs are useful for measuring electric potential as well asdirect ion concentrations.

There are multiple methods available to evaluate the type of stressoccurring to a cell using SMMR technology of the invention. For example,lack of molecular oxygen (O₂) reduces the resting potential and changesthe intracellular versus extracellular ion concentration. A decrease inheat liberation also occurs when the cell is under metabolic stress.Inhibition of any glycolytic function also reduces the restingpotential. In fact, the potential may fall toward zero as poisoning ordeath become imminent. Both the potential and the ion transport effectscan be calculated. The energy required to move 1M of cation from insidethe cell to the outside of the cell for a single and two compartmentcell is also calculated using modified forms of the Nernst equationshown in equation M5 and M6. See Giese, A. C., Cell Physiology, 4^(th)Ed. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, pp. 571-582, 1973). Themodified Nernst equation is as follows: For the single cell(compartment):

$\begin{matrix}{W = {\frac{RT}{}\left( {\ln \frac{\left\lbrack A_{out}^{+} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack A_{in}^{+} \right\rbrack}} \right\rbrack}} & ({M5})\end{matrix}$

For the two cell (compartment)

$\begin{matrix}{W = {\frac{RT}{}\left( {{\ln \frac{\left\lbrack A_{out}^{+} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack A_{in}^{+} \right\rbrack}} + {\ln \frac{\left\lbrack B_{in}^{+} \right\rbrack}{\left\lbrack B_{out}^{+} \right\rbrack}}} \right)}} & ({M6})\end{matrix}$

where W is the energy required, A⁺ and B⁺ are cations, R is the gasconstant (i.e., 8.312 joules per degree per mole), T is the absolutetemperature in degrees Kelvin, and ℑ is the Faraday constant (i.e.,96,500 coulombs per gram equivalent), and ln is the natural logarithm(2.3×log₁₀).

Cancer Diagnosis, Detection, and Prognosis

Tumor cells engage in anaerobic glycolysis, as do epidermalkeratinocytes, and thus metabolic activity differences betweenmetastatic cells and normal cells are quite pronounced and obvious,because tumor cells are known to 1) have higher metabolic rates thannormal cells, 2) accumulate dye molecules at higher levels than nominaltissue, 3) have lower pH then normal tissue, and 4) frequently undergoglycolysis at much higher rates.

Current and commercial spectroscopic characterization of cancer cells islimited to discriminant analysis of raw spectroscopic data. These datayield limited signal-to-noise differences between metastatic and normalcells when applying measurements using molecular spectroscopy, or nativeautofluorescence and white light reflection. These techniques provideonly weak differentiating power to distinguish cancerous tissue fromnormal surrounding tissue due to the low signal-to-noise molecularabsorption, or autofluorescence signals within the metastatic versusnormal tissues.

A large number of in vitro molecular probe/limited wavelengthfluorescent microscope techniques for characterizing cancer cells areavailable. Simultaneously, dramatic improvements in the ability toseparate, capture and present cancer cells for characterization areoccurring. Thus, a technique that enables the selection and measurementof specific intracellular metabolic pathway signals would be valuablefor distinguishing normalcy, malignancy, or pre-malignancy as the resultof non-invasive, in vivo measurements. The necessary SMMR materialscould simply be “painted” or sprayed onto the targeted area todiscriminate malignant cells (i.e., hyper-metabolic), or pre-malignantcells (i.e., semi-hyper-metabolic), from normal cells.

Cancer screening is often an invasive process. A number of techniquesare currently utilized, including physical examination, biopsy, and somefluorescence imaging. Additionally, the drugs used for photodynamictherapy have been used to delineate cancerous tissue with some success.Photodynamic therapy has been used since the late nineteen fifties as ananti-cancer treatment. Briefly, a drug that selectively binds to tumorcells is applied either topically or intravenously. A red light is thenshone on the tissue, and the drug generates active oxygen species thatdestroy the cells. Red light is most often used for the therapy, sinceit has an improved penetration into tissue. The drugs most commonly usedin these therapies are porphyrins and common derivatives includehematoporphyrin, benzoporphyrin and commercial preparations such asphotofrin that consist of mixtures of porphyrins and oligomericporphyrins.

Porphyrins typically generate long lived excited states with a quantumyield of about 0.6. They fluoresce in the red region of the spectrumabove 620 nm with quantum yields of about 0.1. In the blue region of thespectrum, they have large molar absorption coefficients of about 10⁵ M⁻¹cm⁻¹ and some derivatives including benzoporphyrin and chlorophylls havesimilarly high molar absorption coefficients in the red. The moleculesare extremely sensitive to their microenvironment and lose many of theirphotophysical properties when aggregated.

The photophysics of these molecules have assured their use as moleculesto detect oxygen concentrations, to delineate cancer cells in vivo aswell as their use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). As molecules to detectcancerous tissue, advantage is taken of their selective uptake bytumors. Typical uptake ratios for the dye in cancer versus normal tissueare about four to one. Provided that the molecule is monomerized onceinside the cell, it can be detected by its fluorescence. However, thereare a number of disadvantages associated with using porphyrins for thistechnology. The molecules are photosensitive and can be destroyed by thereactive oxygen species they generate. If the molecules aggregate insidethe cell, they will not fluoresce. This aggregation is dependent both onthe microenvironment of the molecule and on its effective localizedconcentration. Hematoporphyrin, for example, starts to aggregate inwater at concentrations as little as 1 μM and is predominantlyaggregated at concentrations above 10 μM. There is also a disadvantagein using the same drugs for therapy as for cancer detection in that thequantum yield of fluorescence of these compounds is not particularlyhigh, as only about 10 percent of absorbed photons are returned asfluorescence.

The wavelengths used to excite the dye depend on the purpose of thetreatment. For photodynamic therapy, red light is used since this givesthe best penetration of scattering tissue. For detecting cancer cells,green or blue light is often used since the drug has a higher molarabsorption coefficient at these wavelengths and light penetration is notan issue. See, Photochem. Photobiol. 73: 278-282, 2001.

The rational behind these techniques is that the cancer cellpreferentially takes up the dye over normal tissue. Strictly speaking,it is not accurate to say that the dye selectively binds to the cancercell. Dye uptake is more closely related to the fact that the cells havea higher metabolic rate. Truly selective uptake or binding would involveexploitation of some chemical difference in the metabolic pathways orgenetic expression that a cancer cell demonstrates. For this reason, anunfortunate side effect of porphyrin type dyes is that normal tissuethat has a high metabolic rate may preferentially accumulate the dye.

Malignant changes result in modified rates of metabolic activity and incellular proliferation. These changes result in biochemical changes,which may be monitored using changes in autofluorescence. See CancerRes. 62: 682-687, 2002; Photochem. Photobiol. 68: 603-632, 1998;Neoplasia 2: 89-117, 2000. However, the underlying problem behind allthese techniques is that the autofluorescence is extremely weak andsubject to interferences from photooxidation and variability in thespectral shape of the autofluorescence.

Cancer cells exhibit hyperglycolytic activity as compared to normalcells. In addition cells moving into the cancerous state covertglycolytic activity from aerobic to anaerobic glycolysis.Hyperglycolytic cancer cells exhibit increased glucose uptake andtransport; changes in ion pumping; decreased ATP production; decreasedoxygen utilization; and increased lactate production due to theconversion of pyruvate to lactate in anaerobic glycolysis. Thus, ameasurement technique capable of monitoring and comparing glucoseutilization and transport, ion pumping rate changes and concentrationgradients, oxygen utilization, and lactate production, either asindividual data points or combined, can be used to detect hyperactivepre- and post-cancerous activity. The metabolic state, kinetics, andaggressiveness of these cells can be characterized and classified.Furthermore, the velocity of glycolysis, the maximum velocity, and theMichaelis-Menten constant can be calculated and compared with normalcell data.

In one embodiment of the invention, SMMR technology described hereinprovides an opportunity for detailed exploration and spectroscopicmonitoring of cellular metabolic pathways with novel low-costinstrumentation, which may lead to substantial improvements in theidentification and the characterization of cancer cells. The ability toimprove diagnosis, staging, therapeutic selection/effectivenessassessment and monitoring for metastatic cell recurrence would representa significant advancement in cancer diagnosis, and potentially forimproved differentiation and classification of solid tumors forselection and optimization of treatment regimes.

Tumor Markers

Potentially the most powerful screening technique for cancer wouldinvolve a class of compounds that have been designated as tumor markers.The presence, or less optimally the absence of these species in blood orother readily accessible tissue would indicate a high probability of acancer in a subject. The marker would be detectable preferably by theuse of spectroscopy of the skin or peripheral tissues, and themonitoring of such a compound would correlate with the development ofthe cancer and also indicate the type of disease. Cancer staging,assessing the extent of local and distant disease, can also beaccomplished using the SMMR of the invention. To date, no one marker hasbeen identified that can definitively signal the presence of a tumor.There are however a number of biochemicals and genetic markers thattogether can improve the diagnosis of a cancerous condition.

The markers may be generated either by the cancer cells themselves or bythe body in response to the tumor. The marker may be a normalbiochemical or may be a material that is only generated when a tumor ispresent. A number of possible markers have been identified including,but not limited to, antigens, some antibodies, hormones and enzymes.

Antigens that indicate carcinogenesis include oncofetal antigens, whichare antigens that are normally only present in an embryo or fetus.However, the presence or increased concentrations in the adult are agood indication of tumor formation. Hormone production at poorlycontrolled concentrations may arise from a tumor of a particularendocrine gland. Some pancreatic tumors for example cause the synthesisof high concentrations of insulin. Hormones may also be produced by thetumor cell expressing a synthetic pathway that the normal cell typewould not produce. Examples of enzymes that may serve as markers forcancer growth include the over production of acid phosphatase associatedwith the development of prostrate cancer, as well as increased levels ofgalactosyl transferase II associated with colon cancer.

The in vivo, non-invasive techniques described herein, enable theselection and measurement of specific intracellular metabolic pathwaysignals for cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems. This techniquewould be valuable for distinguishing normalcy, malignancy, orpre-malignancy from non-invasive, in vivo measurements. For example, theSMMR materials delineated in this invention can simply be “painted” orsprayed onto the targeted area to discriminate malignant cells (i.e.,hyper-metabolic), or pre-malignant cells (i.e., semi-hyper-metabolic),from normal cells. This discriminative measurement can be accomplishedusing a low cost fluorescence detection system or devices, as describedherein.

The changes that occur in cells with the onset of carcinogenesis interms of the active biochemical pathways, the rate of metabolism and thesynthesis of marker compounds all provide target mechanisms that may beexploited by the use of fluorescent Monitoring compounds such as SMMR.The use of these compounds, some of which have been suggested to be usedfor the monitoring of blood glucose levels in diabetics, provides alevel of sensitivity and selectivity that has not been possible usingcurrent technology, i.e. porphyrin dyes and UV or green light.

There are two exemplary methods by which the present technology may beused, including carrying out metabolic monitoring of the whole body bythe use of fluorophores applied to the skin, and targeting these changesusing fluorescent dyes that respond in a well-characterized mechanism tothe altered metabolism. The fluorophores that will be used to monitorthese processes include, but are not limited to, compounds described foreach targeted pathway.

Metabolic Rate

Current technologies exploit the enhanced metabolic rate of tumor tissueto delineate it from normal tissue. SMMR technology presents a moreselective means to monitor tissue having increased metabolic rate. Byusing dyes that report the activity of a specific pathway, SMMRtechnology registers an increased level of fluorescence for theincreased uptake of the dye and the enhancement due to the activity ofthe metabolic pathway targeted. For example, pH sensing dyes such as3-oxo-3H benzoxanthene derivatives undergo a wavelength shift in theiremission as a function of pH. Such dyes, when used to delineate tumortissue, show an increased level of fluorescence and a change in theratio of their emission bands, which indicate an increased metabolicrate and a lower pH on the tumor tissue.

Glycolysis

Metabolic markers that may be targeted to monitor glycolysis includelactate and oxygen consumption. In tissue that undergoes primarilyanaerobic metabolism, the products of this reaction pathway are lactateand adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is synthesized from ADP, thediphosphate analog and phosphate. Lactate is generated as a wasteproduct of the pathway. The ability to determine the relative importanceof glycolysis is achieved by monitoring lactate, pH, or NAD(P)Hproduction, as a function of oxygen concentration. It is possible toperturb the oxygen concentration by clamping or cooling the tissue. Therelative change in lactate to NAD(P)H ratio then indicates the fractionof metabolism that is carried out via mitochondrial activity. The use ofNMR techniques using phosphorous and proton probes would allow themeasurement of phosphate, pH and lactate simultaneously.

Lactate Production

Lower pH values of tumors are associated with the synthesis and exportof lactic acid by the cell and a higher rate of glycolysis. Thegeneration of a large amount of lactate occurs, even under aerobicconditions. Such behavior is unusual, since in a typical cell the fateof pyruvate, the product of glycolysis, in the presence of oxygen is tobe oxidized within the mitochondria. The reasons why the pyruvategenerated in a tumor that is not anoxic is not further metabolized bythe mitochondria is not clearly understood. It is known that thehexokinase responsible for the initial steps in glycolysis is foundbound to the surface of the mitochondrial membrane.

Oxygen Consumption

The use of probes such as Ruthenium tris bipyridyl and related derivatesprovides a well-proven technique for monitoring oxygen concentration.Other dyes that have also been used to monitor oxygen concentrationinclude porphyrin and phthalocyanine derivatives. The emission of thesemolecules is sensitive to oxygen concentration. It is possible tomonitor the intensity or the lifetime of the emission of these dyes todetermine the oxygen concentration. Technically, the simplest apparatusthat may be used to monitor the emission lifetime of these dyes containsa modulated light source and a phase-sensitive detector. The phase angleshift of the dye and the degree to which the dye emission is modulatedallow the lifetime of the dye to be determined. The parameters measuredby the device are related to the lifetime by the expressions shown inequation M7 and M8

$\begin{matrix}{{{{Tan}\; \varphi} = {\omega \; \tau}}{and}{m = \sqrt{\frac{1}{\left( {1 + {\omega^{2}\tau^{2}}} \right)}}}} & \left( {{M7};{M8}} \right)\end{matrix}$

where φ is the phase shift, m is the degree of modulation, ω is thecircular modulation frequency and τ is the lifetime.

However, there are metabolic differences in the cancer cell that can betargeted using metabolic monitoring technology. The methods andcompositions of the invention can be used to monitor those parts ofmetabolism that are altered when a cell becomes cancerous. For example,such a system can be used to monitor high-risk individuals orpopulations for particular cancers, and to determine the progress ofdisease in a subject undergoing treatment.

Antigens and Hormones

Antigens may be present in circulating blood at extremely lowconcentrations. To detect them and to monitor their concentrationsrequires a high degree of selectivity and sensitivity. These moleculescan be targeted by the use of antibody bound SMMR fluorophores.Antibodies are large protein molecules that have a high degree ofspecificity for a particular antigen. They are synthesized by the immunesystem specifically to target an antigen of interest. The antibodyprovides the selectivity required to eliminate false positive detection.The binding of the antigen causes a conformational change in theantibody that results in a large fluorescent change in the dye molecule.Those skilled in the art will recognize that hormones may be monitoredin a similar fashion using fluorescent modified hormone receptormolecules in the same way as one would use the antibody.

Enzymes

Common techniques for the monitoring of enzyme activity includemonitoring the substrate, the cofactor or a product of the enzymereaction. To monitor enzyme activity through the skin, SMMR technologyuses fluorescent substrate analogs tethered in the epidermis. The changein fluorescence of the substrate when bound to the enzyme would beindicative of the enzyme concentration.

Thus, the metabolic differences in the cancer cell can be targeted usingmetabolic monitoring technology. Those parts of metabolism that arealtered when a cell becomes cancerous can be monitored using the methodsand compositions of the invention. Such a system can be used to monitorhigh-risk individuals or populations for a particular cancer and todetermine the progress of the disease in a subject undergoing treatment.

Suitable Small Molecule Metabolic Reporters of the Invention

Suitable small molecule metabolic reporters of the invention include,but are not limited to: fluorophores, protein labeled fluorophores,proteins comprising a photooxidizable cofactor, and proteins comprisinganother intercalated fluorophore as described herein.

It is well known that specific dyes bind to cellular structures andallow imaging and anatomical/histological studies of intracellularstructures. See, e.g., the information available from companies such asMolecular Probes or Sigma-Aldrich. It is also well known that somesignals from these dyes can be used to characterize cellular metabolismin vitro. Fluorescent chemical sensors have been reported to play acritical role in the elucidation of cellular mechanisms by givingreal-time information about the environment of a cell in anon-destructive manner, See, e.g., Glass, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122:4522-4523. For these applications, sensor affinity and selectivity areof utmost concern. Thus, a useful sensor must recognize its analyte withhigh specificity and possess an affinity that is commensurate with theaverage concentration of the analyte in solution. Id. However, nospecific fluorophores have been named, and no fluorophore designrequirements have been published for in vivo, non-invasive elucidationof metabolic pathways for any medical applications in general, and,specifically, for those described by this invention (e.g., in apreferred embodiment for measurement of blood glucose). A surprisingdiscovery has been made that the detailed and specific absorption andemission spectral characteristics of a select set of dyes, whenintroduced into living cells of organisms (in vivo), change as aqualitative and quantitative indication of extracellular andintracellular metabolism. One or more dyes of the select set presentedherein are specifically used to report metabolite concentration, whichare then used to further define the quantity or quality of metabolicactivities within living organisms, such as glycolysis.

This invention relates to SMMRs that indicate the rate and quantity ofglycolysis occurring within the living cell loci. The detailed spectralchanges noted as direct and indirect metabolic reporters include:variation in fluorescence emission intensity and lifetime, variation inwavelength position for absorption and emission maxima, and variation inbandwidth and spectral shapes of absorption and emission spectra. Thesemeasurable changes vary in direct proportion to the changes inconcentrations of metabolite molecules within the physical proximity ofassociated extracellular and intracellular structures. The informationprovided by measuring the changes in specific reporter dye spectrafollowing introduction into living organisms has utility as part of alow-cost method and apparatus for the detailed, real-time measurementand delineation of metabolic pathways and processes in living organisms.

In vivo small molecule metabolic reporter measurements require the insitu interaction of living cells with the reporter molecules to give anaccurate and real-time indication of the metabolic state for a wholeorganism, an organ, a tissue type, or individual cells. The measurementsof the metabolic state for living organisms can thus be madenon-destructively and non-invasively using spectroscopic measurements onliving tissues and cells. Furthermore, custom molecules can besynthesized based on detailed understanding of reporter interactionswith in vivo metabolic processes. See, e.g., FIGS. 17A through 17D. Thisdiscovery has allowed optimization of these dye molecules in theiractive role as SMMR, for reduced toxicity, selective residence time intargeted tissues, cellular binding site specificity, analyte selectivityand sensitivity, photostability, and fluorescence spectralcharacteristics. These fluorescence spectral characteristics can beselected based on molecular structures for SMMR, and include: emissionintensity and lifetime, location of excitation/absorption and emissionmaxima, Stokes shift, bandwidth, spectral shape changes due to thepresence of metabolites, quantum yield, and quantum efficiency.

Therefore, the methods and devices disclosed herein represent animprovement over current techniques such as antibody:antigen labeling,because they relates explicitly to a unique use of small moleculescapable of penetrating the stratum corneum, that when placed in livingtissue allow a measurable fluorescence response proportional tometabolic changes in living cells, tissues, and whole organisms (e.g.,animals and humans), without initiating an immune response. Thesemeasured metabolite signals provide delineation of metabolic pathways bymeasuring the spectra of certain dye molecules when the molecules areused in precise ways, under exacting conditions, and when placed inspecific structures within living cells and tissues.

A dye that is classified as a reporter according to the invention mustmeet several minimum criteria: low toxicity; ability to be deliveredprecisely to target tissue; report quantitative information with respectto the concentration of specific metabolites when measured in vivo; anddetectable using wavelength emission-related technology. Preferably thedyes are fluorescent. Mechanisms for identifying and/or constructingexemplary reporters of the invention are described below. Mathematicalmodels are provided based on the metabolite or metabolic pathway to beanalyzed.

In order to qualify as a SMMR according to this invention, dyes requireone or more of the following criteria:

-   -   1. Enhancement of signal-to-noise ratio of native        autofluorescence measurements through the process of:        -   a. ENERGY TRANSFER from NADH, NAD(P)H, or FAD⁺ to SMMR            (which boosts signal by 5 to 50 fold) that is an indirect            indication of redox transfer coenzyme activity within cells            and tissues due to glycolysis (see FIG. 12; Mechanism 1);    -   2. Enhancement of Specific Metabolite and Precursor Signals such        as:        -   a. Lactate SMMRs that indicate lactate/hydrogen ion            formation from anaerobic glycolysis activity (measurement            sites include intracellular, extracellular, and organelle            loci) (see FIG. 13; Mechanism 2);        -   b. Mitochondrial Membrane Potential SMMRs that indicate            overall changes in mitochondrial membrane redox-potential            that corresponds to changes in glucose (see FIG. 14;            Mechanism 3);        -   c. Calcium ion (Ca²⁺) tracking SMMRs that indicate available            adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ion pump transport activity            fueled by glycolytic activity (see FIG. 13; Mechanism 2);        -   d. Glycogen SMMRs using glycogen-staining molecules that            indicate the occurrence of glycolysis and resultant storage            of glycogen molecules (see FIG. 13; Mechanism 2).    -   3. Direct measurement of glucose molecules in vivo using:        -   a. Protein-labeled fluorophores such as proteins that are            specifically bound to glucose and have enhanced fluorescence            quantum efficiency. When placed into the skin, the resulting            fluorescence is indicative of the amount of glucose present            (see FIG. 15; Mechanism 4);        -   b. Proteins comprising a photoredox active cofactor (such as            flavin adenine dinucleotide, i.e., FAD) that are used to            observe excited state lifetime fluorescence by monitoring            the triplet state of FAD (³FAD*) (see FIG. 16; Mechanism 5).

These mechanisms are referred to as Mechanisms 1-5 and are depictedschematically in FIGS. 11-16.

Some suitable reporters according to the invention are availablecommercially, and include, but are not limited to, the following: (1)Rh123 for measuring NAD(P)H (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(phosphate), reduced form) using energy transfer, or FAD⁺ (flavinadenine dinucleotide, oxidized form) using energy transfer; (2) membranelocalizing dyes such as diphenylhexatriene, xanthenes, cyanines as wellas diphenyl hexatriene and its derivatives, for measurement of energyand glucose transport by membrane receptors such as GluT1; (3) pH (i.e.,lactate/H⁺) indicating dyes such as phenolphthalein, xanthene dyes suchas 2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, (BCECF),benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]-(SNARF-1) forcalculations of lactate/H+ ratios, cytosolic NAD/NADH ratios orpyruvate/lactate ratios; (4) dyes known to have altered emissionproperties depending on the redox potential, ATP/ADP ratio, Ca²⁺-pumpingrate, Mg²⁺-pumping rate, Na⁺-pumping rate, or K⁺-pumping rate of itssurroundings, as these processes are ATP regulated and ATP formation inkeratinocytes is a direct result of glycolysis fueled by glucose; (5)vital mitochondrial membrane stains or mitochondrial membrane dyes,especially those that produce a fluorescence response to changes inmitochondrial membrane potential; (6) reactive molecules that directlyor inversely correlate to glucose concentration, such as nitric oxide(NO); and (7) molecules that directly bind to D-glucose producing afluorescence response. Additional exemplary SMMRs are providedthroughout the disclosure. Other appropriate SMMRs of the invention willbe apparent to those skilled in the art.

1. Energy Transfer Measurements

The use of energy transfer as a mechanism to measure the presence andquantity of coenzymes in the cellular environment has been demonstratedin vitro after removing cells from organisms. Singlet bimolecularelectronic energy transfer reactions, which can be designated asB*+A→B+A*, where the energy is transferred from molecule B to A, proceedby at least four different mechanisms: (1) long-range resonance energytransfer (“fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)” or Förstertransfer), which occurs between dipole-dipole interactions over amolecule distance of up to 5 nm; (2) short-range collisional energytransfer (CET), requiring electron-exchange interactions between thedonor and acceptor molecular orbitals (that is the main mechanism oftransfer in the majority of SMMRs); (3) static quenching, in which thedonor and acceptor molecules are in close proximity in the ground stateand; (4) radiative energy transfer (RET), involving donor emission andreabsorption of the photon by the acceptor.

A number of SMMRs (e.g., Rh123) provide excellent energy transfercapacity wherein the metabolite of interest is excited. SMMRs report anenhanced signal at its characteristic emission wavelength. This energytransfer mechanism provides signal enhancement for normally very weakautofluorescence. What is normally a very weak signal with about 10percent relative discrimination (i.e., a signal to noise of 10:1 to50:1), can be discriminated at 0.2 to 1 percent signal (i.e.,signal-to-noise of 100:1 and higher to about 500:1). This signalenhancement allows the use of low-cost diode-based instruments orsensors for making accurate measurements of fluorescence signal.

The specific application of energy transfer is for the measurement ofmetabolic coenzymes essential in reduction-oxidation (redox) molecularbiosyntheses, wherein the molecule has a stoichiometric or highlycorrelated relationship with glucose concentration. Coenzymes directlyinvolved in redox mediated reactions include NADH, NAD(P)H, and FADH₂. Ameasurement of the change in fluorescence signal brought about by usinga reporter of the invention in vivo to track the formation of NAD(P)H(nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate), reduced form) for energytransfer, FAD⁺ (flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form) for energytransfer, can be used as an indirect measurement of the quantity ofglucose entering a cell. Enhancement of these signals allows accuratetracking of glucose metabolism and other biosynthetic processes withinthe living cell. Low-cost tracking of the activity for these specificcoenzymes enables oxidative phosphorylation and anaerobic glycolysis tobe monitored in real-time.

2. Enhancement of Specific Metabolite and Precursor Signals

The sensor composition used in these methods for monitoring anddetecting the concentration of one or more metabolite(s) or analyte(s)can include, for example, a reporter that is a mitochondrial stain thatis sensitive to membrane potential or chemical gradient. Examples ofsuitable mitochondrial stains include a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbondye, such as, for example, rhodamine 123; di-4-ANEPPS; di-8-ANEPPS;DiBAC₄(3); RH421; tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester, perchlorate;tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, perchlorate;3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride; 2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123,dihydrochloride salt; xanthene; benzenedicarboxylic acid;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein; 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; or iodinedissolved in potassium iodide. The reporter dye can also be coumarin;derivatives of coumarin, anthraquinones; cyanine dyes, azo dyes;xanthene dyes; arylmethine dyes; pyrene derivatives; or rutheniumbipyridyl complexes.

Reporters useful for illustrating this mechanism include pH:lacate/H⁺indicating molecules where two or more wavelengths change directly inproportion to a change in pH:lacate/H⁺ concentration. A two-photonfluorescence lifetime imaging within the dead uppermost layers of theepidermis (i.e., the stratum corneum) has been described, where thefluorophores are introduced into the tissue to measure the pH gradientacross human skin. See, e.g., Hanson et al. Hanson et al., 2002,Biophysical Journal 83: 1682-1690, incorporated herein by reference.However, the skin tissue was removed from the animal prior to analysis,such that their in vitro technique was performed on dying tissue.

Proteins acting as reporters, as described herein, can be used in vivofor direct measurement of intracellular or extracellular glucose.Fluorescence emission and lifetime intensity response is proportional tothe glucose concentration within the cell or external to the cell ininterstitial tissue fluid or blood.

The essential characteristic in identifying a member of the class ofSMMR dyes includes those compounds that report fluorescence changes inproportion to changes in glucose concentration for in vivo measurements.These dyes may be discovered empirically by screening large numbers ofcompounds for signal efficacy, or they may be designed using a basicunderstanding of photochemistry. The spectroscopic properties of SMMRsuseful for routine analysis, especially when using low-cost instrumentsinclude, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: moleculesthat exhibit a large molar absorption coefficient (10,000 L mol⁻¹ cm⁻¹and above), molecules that exhibit a high Stokes shift (e.g., 20 to 150nm), long (e.g., 2 hours to 4 weeks) residence time at target site,molecules that are highly photostable (e.g., less than 5 percent signalloss at use excitation power), molecules that exhibit little or noexcited state chemistry (i.e., inert or non-reactive in excited state),and molecules that exhibit large fluorescence quantum yield (e.g.,Quantum Yield [φ_(F)] greater than 0.4).

Examples of suitable SMMRs include, but are not limited to,modifications of fluorescence dyes to include molecular size attachmentsas: acetoxy methyl esters, chloro-methyl derivatives, alkyl chainadducts, highly charged moieties, enzyme substrate mimic, enzymecofactor tethers, and membrane binding tethers.

The basic starting dyes used to develop these reporters are polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbon dyes, including, but not limited to: rhodamine 123;di-4-ANEPPS, di-8-ANEPPS; DiBAC₄(3); RH421; tetramethylrhodamine ethylester, perchlorate; tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, perchlorate;3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; xanthene dyes especially2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123, dihydrochloride salt; andbenzenedicarboxylic acid, 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide. Other dyes or stains that are useful asSMMRs include, but are not limited to: fluorescein derivatives, modifiedcoumarin; derivatives of coumarin, anthraquinones; cyanine dyes, azodyes; xanthene dyes; arylmethine dyes; pyrene derivatives; and rutheniumbipyridyl complexes. An exemplary backbone of a contemplated SMMR isshown in FIG. 17C and described further in the Examples, infra.

However, the use of other dyes exhibiting similar characteristics andchemical structure for the in vivo determination of glucose is anextension of this concept, and an important aspect of this invention.Dyes that exhibit the provided characteristics and chemical structureswould be known to one skilled in the art. Alternative embodiments woulddiffer only in the dye selected and in the optimization of thetechniques shown herein. This invention includes methodologies todevelop optimum conditions for the use of other dyes expressly for thepurpose of extending or refining this application.

Mitochondrial stains have been used in vitro for measuring glucoseconcentration in immortal cell lines by fluorescence. See, e.g., N.Borth, G. Kral, H. Katinger, Cytometry 14:70-73 (1993). However, noknown previous work determines the glucose concentration in blood for aliving organism by non-invasive, in vivo measurement of the glucoselevel in skin by means of fluorescence measurements of metabolicindicators/reporters (such as SMMR) of glucose metabolism.

One specific redox potential indicating dye, Rhodamine 123 (Rh123),provides an illustrated working example of the present invention. Rh123dye has the systematic name (2-(6-Amino-3-imino-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoicacid methyl ester), given CAS No. 62669-70-9. Membrane reporting redoxpotential indicating dyes such as Rh123 have been used in concentrationsof 10-150 μM for multiple applications, many related to intracellularmitochondrial activity, specifically for measurement of fluorescenceresponse proportional to changes in transmembrane redox potential inorder to research the mechanics of cell metabolism.

Rh123 is commonly known as green fluorescent mitochondrial dye and iswidely applied in cytometry studies involving mitochondrial membranepotential. Its spectral properties include an excitation maximumwavelength of 485 to 505 nm with an emission wavelength of 525 to 534nm. It exhibits an absorption maximum from 485 to 505 nm and has a molarabsorption coefficient of 97,000 Lmol⁻¹ cm⁻¹. This dye is an orange-redsolid that is soluble in methanol (MeOH), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) anddimethylformamide (DMF). These dyes are light sensitive. Once insolution they should be kept at less than 5° C. and protected fromdirect illumination for long-term storage and optimum efficacy. Rh123has a molecular formula of C₂₁H₁₇ClN₂O₃ and a molecular weight of 381daltons. The molecule has low toxicity and has a reported intravenouslethal dose for animals (LD10) of approximately 20 mg/kg of body weight;and a fifty percent lethality (LD50) of 89.5 mg/kg (i.v.) in rats(Merck).

Rh123, and other dyes exhibiting similar molecular structures, have aspecific set of chemical properties whereby the molecule is fluorescent,cationic (i.e., positively charged), of low molecular weight,lipophilic, and configurable as a water-soluble salt. Having thesemolecular properties, dyes such as Rh123 exhibit preferential binding tonegatively charged mitochondrial membrane lipids. The final quantity ofdye that collects within the mitochondrial membrane is dependent on themolar concentration of the dye within the surrounding medium (i.e.,intercellular and cytosol concentrations) and, more importantly, themitochondrial membrane potential. The dye is distributed into themembrane by means of general diffusion such that the molecules move intothe cell and then to the mitochondrial membrane at a rate that isdependent on chemical kinetics and metabolic rate. Thus, increases intemperature and thereby metabolic rate, will increase the rate of randommotion that is driving the concentration of Rh123 molecules in solutionto equilibrium.

Accurate in vivo and in vitro measurements can be made over nominaltemperature ranges from 75 to 105° F., or wider. Variations in thesubject temperature wider than approximately ±5° F. of the target tissuerequire re-calibration, as noted elsewhere. The method used torecalibrate for any temperature range is provided to make certain thatthe temperature is measured while the calibration is performed usingequations 1-5 and 13-16 of the invention. Any subsequent measurement ofthe test sample may be performed within ±5° F. without concern fortemperature variation.

In the case of mitochondrial dyes, each cationic molecule of dyeaccumulates stoichiometrically as negatively charged moieties within theinner mitochondrial membrane of healthy metabolizing cells at aconcentration dependent rate. The final concentration of dye uptake foreach cell is dependent upon the number of mitochondria present withinthe treated cells as well as the changes in the mitochondrial membranepotential within each cell.

Under conditions where glucose is the major metabolic substrate for thecell, oxidative phosphorylation is fueled by the products of glycolysis.See, e.g., Johnson, L. V., et al. J. Cell Biol. 83, 526 (1981).Additional discussions describing research applications of membranepotential-indicating dyes are found in, e.g., R. C. Scaduto, and L. W.Grotyohann, Biophysical Journal 76, 469 (1999) and related references.For most of the reducing reactions that occur in cells, the reducingpower is provided by NAD(P)H. The pH gradient that generates themitochondrial membrane potential is fueled by NADH. This NADH may bederived from the Krebs citric acid cycle as well as from glycolysis.

Illumination using energy at approximately 490 nm excites Rh123 directlyand its fluorescence emission can be detected at approximately 530 nm.The final baseline intensity of the dye is proportional to theconcentration of dye present at the mitochondria, and to themitochondrial density. The changes in the net fluorescence intensity ofRh123-like dyes are directly proportional to the changes in the membranepotential of the cell. Molecules behaving in this manner are referred toas transmembrane redox potential indicating SMMRs (FIG. 14). Metabolicactivity fueled by glucose is indicated by Rh123-like dye fluorescenceintensity.

Specific chemical agents are known to disrupt oxidative phosphorylationand glucose metabolism. Any such agent causing decreased cellularrespiration, cellular energy balance, and cell viability will affect thefluorescence intensity of the dye bound to the mitochondria. A decreasein the glucose concentration available to the cell causes a reduction inATP production due to depletion in metabolism from lowered oxidativephosphorylation. Such a decrease in glucose concentration is indicatedby a corresponding decrease in fluorescent intensity. The demonstrationof a linear increase in mitochondrial-bound Rh123 fluorescence withchanges in respective glucose concentration for immortal cell lines hasbeen shown. See, e.g. Borth, et al. Cytochemistry 14, 70 (1993),incorporated herein by reference. Borth demonstrated that for isolated3D6-LC4 human-mouse heterohybridoma cells in suspension the meanfluorescence intensity was dependent upon glucose availability (i.e.,concentration) rather than to either increased growth rate or metabolicrate.

One embodiment of the invention utilizing a sensor that acts as areporter and marker channel detector is provided in FIG. 4. The signaldetected by the sensor is derived from the relaxation of a metastableexcited state generated by the absorption of energy from a lamp,light-emitting diode, or laser source. The fluorescence process isrepetitive, meaning the fluorescence response to glucose can be measuredrepetitively or continuously, as long as the molecular tag molecules arenot destroyed or removed. The same molecular tag can be repeatedlyexcited and its emitted energy detected. In the methods and compositionsof this invention, the emission intensity, given from a knownconcentration of at least one molecular tag, is proportional to thenumber of energy transfer events from NAD(P)H to Rh-123 where Rh-123acts as the SMMR. Compounds exhibiting such a mechanism of action arerepresentative of a family of compounds referred to as “energy transferfrom reducing equivalents indicating SMMRs” (FIG. 12). The number ofthese energy transfer events is proportional to the rate of glycolysismodulated by the glucose concentration of the intercellular environmentand ultimately to the blood glucose concentration.

The chemical structure of Rh123 is shown below as Structure A. This dyebelongs to a broad range of compounds referred to as xanthene dyes. Thegeneral structure of xanthene dyes is shown in Structure B. Substitutionof these dyes at any of the positions marked “R” on the xanthene moietyinfluences the wavelengths of absorption and emission while substitutionof the phenyl ring at position 9, shown in Structure B, influences thesolubility of the molecule. As drawn, the molecule absorbs light in theultraviolet region of the spectrum. Substitution at the positions markedR with a heteroatom that readily exchanges hydrogen causes extendedconjugation across the ring, wherein the molecule absorbs in the visibleregion of the spectrum. In the case of Rh123, the heteroatom is nitrogenand the R group may exist as an amino group or an imino group. Manyxanthene dyes are amphipathic, that is, they have both polar andnon-polar regions on the molecule. This property gives the molecule ahigh affinity for binding to the surface of biological membranes.

Molecular structures of some of the SMMRs of the invention include thoseshown as Structures A-F. Other mitochondrial or membrane potential dyesuseful for this invention include any molecules exhibiting properties asdefined for Rh123 above (Structure A) including those mentioned here,and general compounds falling within these molecular structures,activity, solubility, toxicity, and overall action as described.Specific dyes meeting some or all of these requirements include, but arenot limited to, the following.

Xanthene Type Dyes (Structure B):

Examples of Xanthene type dyes include: TMRE as tetramethylrhodamineethyl ester, perchlorate (C₂₆H₂₇ClIN₂O₇. Molecular Weight 515), TMRM astetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, perchlorate (C₂₅H₂₅ClIN₂O₇. MolecularWeight 501), Dihydrorhodamine 123 (C₂₀H₁₈N₂O₃. Mwt: 346),Dihydrorhodamine 123, dihydrochloride salt (C₂₀H₂₀Cl₂N₂O₃. Mwt: 419).

Cyanine Type Dyes (Structure C):

Examples of cyanine type dyes include:5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineboth the chloride and the iodide salts.

Bis-Oxonol Dyes

Examples of bis-oxonol type dyes include: DiBAC4(3) asbis-(1,3-dibarbituric acid)-trimethine oxanol (C₂₇H₃₉N₄O₆, MolecularWeight 519).

Styryl Pyridinium Dyes:

Examples of styryl pyridinium type dyes include: RH421,N-(4-sulfobutyl)-4-(4-(p-(dipentylamino)phenyl)butadienyl)-pyridinium(C₂₉H₄₂N₂O₃S, Molecular Weight 498.72), DASPEI as2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide) with a molecularformula of C₁₇H₂₁IN₂ and molecular weight of 380 daltons, Pyridinium,4-(2-(6-(dibutylamino)-2-naphthalenyl)ethenyl)-1-(3-sulfopropyl)-,hydroxide Di-4-ANEPPS(C₂₈H₃₆N₂O₃S; Molecular Weight 481).

Carbocyanine Dyes (Structure D):

T-3168 is a cationic carbocyanine dye that yields green fluorescence. Itaccumulates in mitochondria and is a sensitive marker for mitochondrialmembrane potential. It exists as a monomer at low concentrations andforms J-aggregates at higher concentrations that exhibit a broadexcitation spectrum and an emission maximum at ˜590 nm.

Glucose Analog (Structure E):

2-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)-2-deoxyglucose (2-NBDG).The 2-NBDG fluorophore typically displays excitation and emission maximaat around 465 nm and around 540 nm, respectively. It is visualizableusing optical filters designed for fluorescein and is sensitive to itsenvironment. A fluorescent nonhydrolyzable glucose analog6-NBD-deoxyglucose (6-NBDG) is also available commercially to trackglucose diffusion rates in cells. (Molecular Probes cat. no. N-23106).

Viability and Toxicity Dyes (Structure F):

The cell-impermeant Ethidium Bromide is excited by an argon-ion laserand is useful for detecting and sorting dead cells by flow cytometry. Itis also used in combination with fluorescein-based probes (such ascalcein, CellTracker Green CMFDA or BCECF) for two-color applications,and as a marker when a reporter dye responds at only one emissionwavelength.

The dyes mentioned above are available commercially in relatively pureforms from suppliers of custom molecules as well as from Biotium, Inc.,3423 Investment Blvd. Suite 8, Hayward, Calif. 94545. The preceding dyesare commonly described in the scientific literature as molecules “thatstain mitochondria in living cells in a membrane potential-dependentfashion [with varying excitation and emission wavelengths].” See theMerck Index (The Merck Index: An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, andBiologicals, Thirteenth Edition, Maryadele J. O'Neil, Ann Smith,Patricia E. Heckelman, John R. Obenchain Jr., Eds., Merck & Co., Inc.,Whitehouse Station, N.J., USA, 2001), and other comprehensivecollections of properties for organic compounds. Such references provideinformation regarding details of chemical and physical properties ofmolecules, including availability, solubility, and synthesis for eachclass of molecule described herein. Additional information is availablefrom commercial suppliers, e.g., Aldrich Chemical Company, Inc., 1001West St. Paul Avenue, Milwaukee, Wis. 53233; Sigma Chemical Co., Inc.,3050 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Mo. 63103; Fluka-RdH, P.O. Box 2060,Milwaukee, Wis. 53201 USA; Molecular Probes, Inc., 29851 Willow CreekRd., Eugene, Oreg. 97402 USA; and other manufacturers.

Preferred dyes, acting as SMMRs according to the invention, emitfluorescence signals at wavelengths above 350 nm.

The design of specific SMMRs for particular locations and mechanismswithin tissue takes into consideration the specific molecular propertiesof the SMMRs. Under conditions where intracellular and extracellular pHmeasurements are to be made simultaneously using redox potentialmeasurements, for example, it is important that the dyes emit indifferent wavelength regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Thespectral regions that are preferentially selected for emission bands arebands at or about 100 nm wide and centered at or about 600 nm, 700 nmand 800 nm. These regions contain little or no autofluorescence and arelatively small and stable absorption background. These propertiesallow a relatively interference-free measurement of the SMMRfluorescence.

The use of known mitochondrial specific redox potential fluorescingdyes, or energy transfer fluorescing dyes for the purpose of sensinglive human keratinocyte glucose metabolism in situ has not beenpreviously described. The fluorescence intensity of mitochondrial-boundredox potential sensing dyes, as well as dyes reporting on reducingequivalents via energy transfer, are indicative of the reductionpotential for the sum of oxidative phosphorylation, fatty acidmetabolism, and NADH shuttling. The use of redox potential fluorescingdyes has not previously been applied in situ for direct determination ofin vivo skin glucose concentration. The ability to use these dyes forsuch an application is based upon an understanding of skin glucosemetabolism, the mechanism and importance of reducing equivalents inglycolytic metabolism of skin, an understanding of the fluorescentproperties of the selected dyes, and an understanding of the opticalproperties of skin. In addition, these methods and compositions requirea detailed understanding and optimization of dye introduction to thehuman keratinocyte cells; of the derivation of the appropriateconditions for temperature, pH, concentration, purity, lag times,reaction times, response times, quantum yields, optical properties ofthe various skin layers for the appropriate excitation and emissionwavelengths, of the concentration/fluorescence response model, metabolicmodels for skin; and of the lag time between blood glucose and skinglucose concentrations.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the SMMR compositions andmethods of the invention have both in vitro and in vivo applications.However, a unique advantage of using SMMR in clinical diagnostic andtreatment applications is that their spectral response measurements aremade in vivo, a distinct improvement over current in vitro analysistechniques.

Measurement of these specific analytes and metabolites, individually orcombined with ancillary measurements, provides detailed informationdescribing glucose metabolism in living tissue. The specific inventiondelineated here relates to the determination of blood glucose levelsbased upon skin glucose levels for use in the monitoring and control ofdiseases related to, but not limited to, diabetes mellitus, heartdisease, autoimmune disease, kidney disease, memory dysfunction, cancer,stress and organ transplantation. A description of the metabolicpathways for glucose in dermis and epidermis is helpful to provide abasis for this present invention. Mechanisms operating in skinmetabolism are shown in Scheme 1 of FIG. 17A. An additional overviewscheme is provided in FIG. 17B. This present invention models systemicblood glucose levels based upon the application of specific firstprinciple mathematical models to direct non-invasive fluorescencemeasurements made using SMMR placed within the skin.

This invention targets in vivo measurement of analyte/metabolites thatprovide detailed information for epidermal glycolytic pathways that aredriven specifically by D-glucose, fructose, galactose and other simplesugars, but are unaffected by molecules similar to D-glucose that arenot metabolically active. Such non-active metabolites include L-glucoseand other levorotatory optical isomers, or enantiomeric forms of simpleor complex sugars. This in fact is used as an efficacy test for theaction of glycolytic reporting SMMRs. For complex glycolytic processessuch as the biosynthesis of NAD(P)H, or for glycolytic processes thatare distinctly non-linear, more than one pathway can be combined toenhance analytical information content to model glucose concentration.The additional information provided by monitoring more than onemetabolite is used to improve analytical performance for monitoringglucose. In this way, a final measurement system provides for a widedynamic range for glucose and is less prone to measurement errors causedby potential interferences.

Although Scheme 1 (FIG. 17A) shows that the substrate for oxidativephosphorylation is glucose-derived, this pathway may also be fueled bylipid metabolism. This is not a concern when monitoring glycolysisfueled by glucose for human or mammalian epidermal keratinocytes, sincethis metabolic pathway is not relevant to glucose measurement inkeratinocytes, as only two percent of skin metabolism comprises thisalternative lipid pathway, whereas 70% of assimilated glucose ismetabolized by glycolysis, which is a metabolic process that derivesenergy for the cell exclusively from the metabolism of glucose. This andother details of skin metabolism can be found, e.g., in Johnson andFusaro. The Role of the Skin in Carbohydrate Metabolism in: Advances inMetabolic Disorders, R. Levine (Ed.), Academic Press, 1972, 60, 1-55.

The supply of glucose in the blood both diffuses and is activelytransported into the cytosol of epidermal cells. The rate of transportinto the epidermis is indicative of the differential concentration ofskin glucose levels and blood glucose levels. The rate of transport intoskin allows for an accurate first principles mathematical extrapolationof blood glucose levels.

Once modeled, the kinetics of blood glucose transport to the skin fromthe blood supply of subcutaneous blood vessels enables the determinationof the precise first principles mathematical relationship between therate of change of skin glucose and the rate of change of blood glucose.Thus, rapid up or down changes in blood glucose concentration can beaccurately tracked by knowing the skin glucose mean concentration levelsand the rate of change of skin glucose levels. First principlesmathematical models can be developed, preferably for individualpatients, more preferably for small local populations, and mostpreferably for the universal patient case.

The invention provides at least one sensor composition that includesendogenous chromophores and exogenous fluorophore/reporters (i.e., SMMRas molecules that fluoresce as an indication of metabolic rate or by anincrease in metabolite levels). By convention, factors routinelyaffecting the glycolytic velocity assumption set for quantitativeanalysis of metabolites, including lactate/H⁺, are as follows: (1) pHgenerally has a small effect at less than 5% relative change between pH7 and 8; (2) temperature has a small metabolic effect at semi-controlledtemperatures (e.g., 25° C. to 27° C.); (3) enzyme/coenzyme concentrationis normally in excess to allow glycolysis over all physiological rangesof glucose; (4) cellular substrate concentrations are normally in excessto allow glycolysis over all physiological ranges of glucose; (5)anaerobic/aerobic ratio for target cells of interest (e.g., epidermalkeratinocytes) is assumed constant per individual; and (6) cell maturityis relatively constant and assumed to be constant over the gradient ofthe epidermis.

For human keratinocytes in situ, a specific layer of the epidermis(above the dermal papillae and within or above the stratum basale) is ina comparatively homeostatic condition and the major metabolicbiosynthetic process is anaerobic glycolysis. This layer of cells isreferred to as the stratum germinativum. Therefore, cells in the stratumgerminativum make an ideal location for the introduction of SMMR intothe skin. See FIGS. 1-3 and 10. Other tissues favorable for use in themethods and compositions of the invention include all those havingpredominantly anaerobic glycolysis as the main biosynthetic process forglucose utilization. Thus, the epidermis throughout the human skin andat all locations becomes a prospective target site for the invention.Other epithelial tissues lining cavities within the body are also targetcells for the invention. These tissues include: simple epithelium, e.g.,squamous, cuboidal, and columnar; stratified epithelium, e.g., squamous,cuboidal, columnar, and transitional; and pseudostratified epithelium.Preferred sites for measurement application include, but are not limitedto, the fingertip, the volar forearm, the upper arm, the foot, or anylocation where easy access to the skin is obtained without the need todisrobe.

The transport of glucose into the cell is non-insulin regulated, and thestoichiometry of anaerobic glycolysis provides two lactate/H+ moleculesper one glucose molecule. Thus, intracellular lactate/H+ measurementprovides the basis for inferring interstitial fluid glucoseconcentration in normal keratinocytes. The direct in vivo intracellularmeasurements of intermediate or end-product metabolites (analytes)resulting from glycolysis within keratinocytes are thus used to inferglucose substrate concentrations within the cell in real-time withoutthe use of invasive techniques. Endogenous, native fluorophores are notconsidered useful reporters of metabolic state due to lowsignal-to-noise and to background interferences, but they do provideinformation about the optical properties of the tissue and theintegrated history of premature tissue glycosylation that occurs overtime due to the diabetic condition.

In contrast, the exogenous molecules described herein that are added asSMMRs to the skin result in fluorescent signals that directly report onthe type and level of metabolite present in the cell. The SMMRsdescribed herein provide unique fluorescence signals that are ofsufficient magnitude to be measured using standard, low-cost, commercialphotonic components. By using SMMRs, the extracellular, intracellular,and organelle microenvironments can be accurately and specificallyassessed for glycolytic function within a tissue or for an organism. Theexogenous fluorophore/reporters are added to the skin and are used tolocate and measure metabolites located within the epidermal layer of theliving skin in situ, thereby indicating the metabolic state of theorganism. In alternative embodiments, these dyes are applied throughoral ingestion, or more preferably by passive or active topicaladministration.

Effective concentrations of SMMRs to be applied are in the range of atleast 1 to 500 μg/ml, e.g. 5 to 150 μg/ml or 10 to 100 μg/ml. Theconcentration of SMMRs used is preferably from 10 to 500 μM, morepreferably from 100 to 300 μM and most preferably from 150 to 250 μM.

The methods and compositions of the invention employ the measurement ofthe fluorescence of SMMRs added to the skin to monitor glycolyticmetabolic processes in the skin. These processes respond to bloodanalyte levels and to disease states affected by glycolytic activity.Autofluorescence by itself is insufficient to monitor many analytes,particularly glucose, because it does not have the necessarysignal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range to be useful (i.e., accuratelymeasured at low cost). Instead, the instant methods and compositionsreplace or supplement autofluorescence measurements with measurements ofexogenous molecules that act as metabolite reporters localized withinthe epidermis.

Each of the following aspects of the SMMR system was optimized in orderto derive the methods for utilizing exogenous molecule fluorescentsignals in the keratinocytes for deriving blood glucose levels. The keyinformational requirements and assumptions include:

-   -   1. Diffusion following the laws of mass transport is the main        mechanism of transport for small molecules (including D-glucose)        from blood in the dermis to the keratinocytes of the epidermal        layers;    -   2. Human keratinocytes utilize GluT1 (GenBank Accession Number:        K03195) at the cell membrane (i.e., glucose transport is not        insulin or GluT4 (GenBank Accession Number: M91463) regulated);    -   3. Glucose transport at the keratinocytes is constant relative        to the maximum velocity of molecular transport and the number of        active transporters within the keratinocyte cell membrane. If        these are not constant, they must be modeled based upon a first        principles understanding of the events that bring about changes        in the transport rate. The overall effect must allow modeling of        extracellular glucose levels based upon intracellular glucose        levels. Thus, the intracellular glucose concentration must be        based upon a known relationship to the concentration of glucose        within the interstitial fluid;    -   4. Keratinocytes are relatively simple cells utilizing as much        D-glucose as is available at any time without changing metabolic        mechanisms (they remain essentially glycolytic);

and they process glucose in real-time into metabolites that are directlymeasurable using SMMRs;

-   -   5. There is a net NAD(P)H production via the pentose shunt from        glycolysis, thereby providing a mechanism for glucose        measurement by using an amplified NAD(P)H signal;    -   6. SMMR compounds can be synthesized to demonstrate desired        performance properties based upon known characteristics of        molecular structure;    -   7. All proposed techniques using the SMMR compounds described in        this invention are adaptable to small, inexpensive measurements,        such as using a handheld device;    -   8. pH (as lactate/H⁺), NAD(P)H, Ca²⁺, FAD⁺, ATP/ADP ratio, and        redox potential can be used to directly track D-glucose        concentration present in the fluid surrounding human skin        keratinocyte cells;    -   9. For anaerobic glycolysis (i.e., the metabolism of target        human skin cells or keratinocytes), pH (as lactate/H⁺), NAD(P)H        energy transfer, and redox potential provide the most rapid and        trackable responses to glucose. The shortest response times are        from 15 seconds to 2 minutes. SMMRs utilize three separate        reporting mechanisms to report for these three glycolytic        metabolites, including direct reporting, energy transfer, and        redox potential, respectively;    -   10. There is a lag time for diffusion of glucose from the        capillary fields of the dermis to the cells of the epidermis of        no more than approximately 5-10 minutes for highly vascularized        regions of the body, such as the fingertip;    -   11. Intracellular, extracellular and organelle lactate/H⁺ is        measured as a direct indication of D-glucose concentration of        surrounding fluid, where lactate/H⁺ is an indicator of        keratinocyte glycolysis;    -   12. Measurable D-Glucose response range for these parameters is        5 to 500-plus mg/dL;    -   13. Human skin cells are scavenger cells, which utilize as much        D-glucose as is available at any time without changing        glycolytic or transport mechanisms;    -   14. Commercially available dye probes are useful but not        optimal. Thus, strategies for independent new molecules in this        regard have been developed;    -   15. Reporters passively transported to the skin can last up to 4        days or more using currently known methods;    -   16. Direct glucose measurements are possible for small treated        areas of the skin but require the use of larger SMMR compounds        (i.e., 100-160 kDa or more), indicating the possible requirement        for electroporation schemes;    -   17. Small quantities of larger SMMR compounds can be optimized        for signal intensity and, thus, are useful for making glucose        measurements without toxicity or irritation issues in mammals,        including humans;    -   18. A very small reaction site (i.e., 200 to 300 microns in        diameter) can be used, thereby minimizing toxicity issues;    -   19. SMMRs as proteins, reporters and markers are placed at        desired locations at the skin surface or below, namely from 10        to 500 microns in depth from the tissue surface;    -   20. Reporters are easy to get into the skin using passive        mechanisms, but electroporation gives enhanced signal magnitudes        by factor of 2 to 3 times. Electroporation is inexpensive, but        adds a degree of complexity to the method;    -   21. None of the tested mechanisms respond to L-glucose, thereby        making the tests specific for D-glucose only. (This is the ‘gold        standard’ for testing the efficacy and veracity of any        glycolytic and physiologically active glucose-concentration        measuring technique);    -   22. Simple sugars, such as D-glucose, fructose, and galactose,        are the sugars of interest relative to fueling glycolysis, and        all cause glycolytic activity in keratinocytes.        Techniques for Placement of SMMRs into the Epidermis

For any of the embodiments described herein, a series of techniquesexist that allow the placement of specialized fluorescent or absorptivemolecules (SMMRs) into the epidermis, epithelial cells, or peripheralcells (for organs or muscle tissue during invasive surgery). Penetrationof the sensor composition can be accomplished using an active transporttechnique, such as, for example, electroporation, laser poration, sonicporation, ultrasonic poration, iontophoresis, mechanical poration,solvent transport, direct application by painting, tattooing methodsinvolving application by needle, an equivalent electrical tattooingtechnique; or most preferably by using passive transport using specialsolvent and reporter molecule mixtures. Passive transport may be used toallow small molecules of typically 100 Daltons (Da) to 1000 Da to entertissues and cells.

Exemplary methods for passive transport are pressurized delivery andwicking. The method is comprised of a direct measurement of thefluorescence of SMMRs placed within epidermal cells, i.e.,keratinocytes. This fluorescence is measured using molecules withspecific properties for defining glucose metabolism in epidermis and forinferring the magnitude of the change in fluorescence signal to bloodglucose concentrations.

Incorporation of a reporter into the tissue without use of an externaldevice is preferred, due to the reduced cost, convenience, and ease ofuse. Such a passive transdermal delivery solvent system must be accurateand safe. Thus, a more elaborate solvent regime must be applied thanthat used for the active mechanisms such as tattooing, electroporation,and ultrasonic poration. Suitable solvent systems useful for passivetransdermal delivery include creams, emulsions, and oils. These solventsystems provide passive transdermal stain delivery into the tissue at adepth of less than 50 microns. The following additives aid the processof tissue penetration for SMMR and create a diffusion rate enhancingsolvent system: Soybean Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil,Olive Oil, Calendula Oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Wheat GermOil, refined Light Mineral Oil, Triundecanoin (Akomed C), Undecanoicacid, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides (Akoline MCM), Caprylic/CapricTriglycerides, Propylene glycoldiester of caprylic-/capric acid, Emuoil, all as low viscosity mixtures, preferably less than 35 cSt at 35°C. In addition, mixtures of one or more of the above oils in combinationwith a non-polar dilution solvent can also be used. The solvent systemis allowed to passively penetrate the tissue for from about 1 minute,about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes, about 30 minutes to about 2 hours toallow diffusion of the SMMR into the appropriate tissue layer(s).

In addition, penetration of the sensor composition to the desired depthcan be accomplished by combining the composition with various molecularsize attachments.

After the reporters are injected into, or applied to the surface of thetissue, they are allowed to penetrate in proximity to superficial cellsof tissues and organs at a depth from the surface of the cells of fromabout 10 μm to about 1500 μm. For measurement of specific metabolites,the preferred placement of the reporters should be near the surface ofthe tissue (i.e., about 10 to about 175 μm) yet be representative of theoverall metabolic state of the tissue in which the reporters are placed.The reporters may also be placed at a greater depth into the tissue. Theprecise placement of the reporters is controlled by the combination ofits molecular properties, including: specific molecular size (i.e., 100daltons to 100 kilodaltons), polarity, charge, structure, pKa,solubility, the size and type of molecular attachments or anchors, thesolvent system used, as well as the specific conditions used forporation (if required). A combination of these factors provides theability to control the location, diffusion rate, and duration orlifetime of the SMMR within the tissue or organ layers.

The dyes may be introduced into the skin by passive diffusion over aperiod of 2448 hours, more preferably over a period of 2-6 hours, andmost preferably in 10 seconds to 5 minutes. Contemplated diffusion timesinclude periods less than 48 hrs, 24 hrs, 10 hrs, 6 hrs, 2 hrs, 1 hr, 30min, 15 min, 10 min, 5 min, 1 min, 30 sec, 10 sec, or 1 sec. Withpassive absorption, a molecule is placed on the surface of the skin andallowed to penetrate in proximity to the epidermal cells (keratinocytes)directly above the basal layer (stratum basale) at a depth from thesurface of skin from 10 μm to 50 μm and up to 175 μm in the pits of thestratum basale extending into the dermis between the dermal papillae.For measurement of glucose, the placement of the SMMR is below thestratum corneum yet above the dermis, more specifically in the stratumspinosum or stratum basale immediately above the upward extensions ofthe dermal papillae. This SMMR placement is accomplished by varying thecombination of the polarity and charge on the SMMR, the size ofmolecular attachments or anchors, as well as by the polarity andhydrophilicity characteristics of the solvent system. The specificconditions for poration or passive diffusion for placement of the SMMRin the skin are controllable factors. Using any combination of thesefactors, it is possible to control the localization of the dye withinthe skin layers and target cells.

Another embodiment of the reporter application involves the use of areservoir containing reporter, which is used to automatically ormanually dispense a dose of the reporter mixture topically prior toporation or passive transport. For measurement of metabolites andprecursors the reporter is placed in the tissue at a depth of up to 300μm. A solution of 10-400 μL volume made from 1-50 μM SMMR in a solventsystem penetrates into the tissue for some period of time to allowactivation following passive diffusion kinetics. Once activated thechange in fluorescence or absorption response of the tissue cells tochanges in extracellular and intracellular metabolite or precursorconcentrations is monitored directly using an optical reader. Irritantchemicals such as salicylic acid can be used to facilitate thepenetration of reporters into skin or peripheral tissue.

In another embodiment, a small disposable film patch composed ofpolyolefin, polyester, or polyacrylate and having an SMMR dispersed intoa transfer gel applied to the transfer side of the film patch, is usedfor SMMR application. The patch is applied with the gel side toward theskin and the gel contacts the external surface of the skin. Followingthe gel application, a poration or passive transfer technique is used tointroduce the mixture into the appropriate skin layer(s) (as describedabove). Another embodiment of the SIAM application involves the use of areservoir containing molecular tag or SMMR. This reservoir is used toeither automatically or manually dispense a dose of the SMMR mixturetopically prior to poration or passive transport. A non-limiting exampleof a topical dose is a small dot or spot from 100 μm to 5 mm. A smallerarea is preferred in most embodiments, but a larger area is alsocontemplated. For measurement of glucose, the SMMR is placed in thekeratinocytes at 30 μm to 50 μm and up to 175 μm so that placement isprecisely in the specific layer of the epidermis (e.g., above the dermalpapillae and within or above the stratum basale), within a comparativelyhomeostatic keratinocyte stratum. The molecular tag or SMMR penetratesinto the skin for some period of time (depending upon molecular size andsolvent mixture used) to allow activation following passive diffusionkinetics (i.e., mass transport). Once activated, the change influorescence response of the skin cells to changes of extracellular andintracellular glucose is monitored directly using an optical reader.

An active mechanism utilizing tissue permeation, electroporation, laserporation, or ultrasonic poration is another procedure for introducingSMMRs into the skin. Pulse lengths for poration technologies areprovided below. An example of an ultrasonic poration device includesthose manufactured by Sontra Medical Corporation, Cambridge Mass. Sontraand other commercial manufacturers of devices useful for thisapplication have previously described a method for sensing glucosedirectly in the interstitial fluid surrounding the skin cells byremoving fluid or gaining access to removed fluid for analysis. Seee.g., J A Tamada, M Lesho and M J Tierney, “Weekly Feature: KeepingWatch on Glucose—new monitors help fight the long-term complications ofdiabetes.” IEEE Spectrum Online, Jun. 10, 2003 at website:<http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/WEBONLY/publicfeature/apr02/glu.html>(last visited Jun. 26, 2003). The methods and compositions of theinvention do not remove fluid but, rather, place small quantities ofsolution containing low concentrations of SMMRs into the skin for directreading of the SMMR fluorescence spectral characteristics as anindication of both epidermal skin and blood glucose levels.

For some reporters above 1,000 daltons in size, electroporation may beused to introduce reporter into tissue. Electroporation has beenutilized for introducing chemotherapy treatments, for introduction ofDNA into living cells and tissues, and broadly recommended forintroducing materials into tissues for cosmetic or medical treatmentapplications. If poration schemes are used, the optimized settings foran electroporation device are achieved by commercially available or by acustomizable device having settings that provide conditions as describedwithin this invention. Commercial systems utilizing a square wavevoltage pulse have been described within the literature, such as thoseavailable from Genetronics Biomedical Corporation, 11199 Sorrento ValleyRoad, San Diego, Calif. 92121. Such a small device can be inexpensivelymade to have one or more constant settings for the optimized conditionsdisclosed for this invention.

Electroporation uses a short pulse electrical field to alter cellmembrane permeability. Micro-pores form in the membrane of skin cellsallowing the introduction of various molecular size mixtures into thecells at an appropriate depth of penetration for this specific inventiveapplication. When the electric field is discontinued, the cells returnto normal and one or more SMMRs introduced into the cell using thetechnique remains at the cellular site specifically within the epidermalcell until either the dye is chemically degraded and disposed of withinthe tissue or is sloughed off in a normal desquamating cycle. Theprocess of sloughing off (or desquamation) follows a normal ten-day totwenty-day (typically fourteen-day) cycle as the residence time ofepidermal keratinocytes moving from the basal layer (stratum basale) tothe desquamating layer of the stratum corneum.

When employed, electroporation is optimized for use in this invention byselection of voltage range (from about 40 to 90 Volts), gap distance(from about 0 to 2 mm), pulse length (from about 150 to 250 ms), numberor pulses (from about 1-10), pulse interval (from about 5 to 60 s),specific electrode design, and desired field strength (from about 40 to60 V/cm). In addition, the selection of molecular tag molecules, solventmolecules, concentration, and lag times relative to measurement onset isdetermined as precisely as possible. In certain embodiments, specificparameters are determined empirically using specific solvent and SMMRselection. For example, optimization of electroporation involves thefollowing specifications:

-   -   1. Output voltage range: 0 to +200 VDC;    -   2. Discharge capacitor (Cdis) values in microfarads are on or        about: 200, 500, 700, 1000, 1200, 1500, 1700 μF;    -   3. Pulse type: exponential decay;    -   4. Pulse RtCdis decay time constant where Rt (total)=5+Rskin in        parallel with 50 ohms. If Rskin>>50 ohms then Rt=55 ohms and        Rt×Cdis=11, 27.5, 38.5, 55, 66, 82.5, 93.5 milliseconds (ms).

Electroporation also facilitates the delivery of dyes bound to largemolecules that serve as anchors such as polymer beads, largepolysaccharides, or colloidal particles. These approaches arecontemplated as being within the invention, but are less advantageous inthat the particles are often too massive to pass through the stratumcorneum without active poration or mechanical injection. Once in theskin, they do not readily dissolve or organically reabsorb into thebody. Such less desirable approaches would create undesirable particlesthat would either remain in place indefinitely or accumulate in lymphnodes, in other circulatory cavities and/or in other organ sites.

Reporters of the invention can be made with specific properties suchthat they are retained only within skin cells (keratinocytes) where theyreport on glycolytic activity and do not harm or affect cellularmetabolism. These reporter compounds are sloughed off after a few days,even when permanently integrated into, or attached to, keratinocytecells. The small quantity of reporter(s) that diffuse away from theepidermis are rapidly degraded within the body and are completelyeliminated within a few days. In preferred embodiments, reapplication ofthe reporter(s) is relatively easy to perform. The process of sloughingoff (or desquamating) follows a normal ten-day to twenty-day (typicallyfourteen-day) cycle as the residence time of epidermal keratinocytesmoves from the basal layer (stratum basale) to the desquamating layer ofthe stratum corneum. Thus, reporters are developed to be applied onceevery 2 to 3 days, preferably every 3 to 4 days, and more preferablyevery 5 or more days.

The present invention introduces one or more SMMRs into the skin andthen measures the fluorescence of the SMMR as an indicator of the skinglucose concentration. Electroporation can be used to introduce SMMRsinto a specific skin site for measurement of SMMRs to report glucoseconcentration. Specifically, electroporation or passive transport viadiffusion and wicking is used explicitly to introduce one or morespecific molecular compounds (SMMR) and a solvent system into theappropriate skin layer in order to more rapidly introduce the SMMR forsubsequent fluorometric analysis.

In another preferred embodiment, the passive transdermal deliverysolvent system employed is efficacious and safe. A more elaboratesolvent regime may be applied than for the active mechanisms oftraditional tattooing procedures, where dyes and inks are placed intothe dermis for permanent marking; or poration schemes such aselectroporation, laser-poration, iontophoresis, mechanical-poration,pressurized delivery and ultrasonic poration.

The more advanced solvent systems useful for passive transdermaldelivery include, but are not limited to, e.g., creams, emulsions (bothoil-in-water and water-in-oil), oils (ointments), gel film patches, areservoir device, paints, polar solvents and non-polar solvents.Non-polar solvents are preferred, as these are most miscible with theSMMRs of the invention and the stratum corneum lipids cementing thekeratinocyte lamellae in place. “Lipid solvent systems” have beenreported in the literature for use in transdermal drug delivery, and arecomposed to resemble the chemistry of stratum corneum lipids. Such amixture may also be used to place the SMMRs into the appropriate pointwithin the epidermis. Such a suggested mixture includes: (w/w): ceramide(50%), cholesterol (28%), palmitic acid (17%) and cholesteryl sulfate(5%). See, e.g., Downing et al.: Partition of dodecyl sulfate intostratum corneum lipid liposomes. Arch. Dermatol. Res. 1993, 285:151-157.

The objective of each of these solvent systems is to provide passivetransdermal SMMR delivery into the skin at a preferred depth of fromabout 10 to 175 μm (microns), more preferred from about 20 to 100microns, and most preferred from about 20 to 50 microns. For example,the following solvents as additives to the final SMMR mixtures are addedto the skin to initiate passive transport of the SMMR to the targetcellular site. The materials listed aid the process of skin penetrationfor SMMRs and create a diffusion rate enhancing solvent system fortransdermal delivery: dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, isopropanol,chloroform, acetic acid, saturated hydrocarbon solvent (with from 10 to40 carbons as linear or branched chained molecules), soybean oil,hazelnut oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, calendula oil,apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil, wheat germ oil, refined light mineraloil and mineral oil spirits, triundecanoin (akomed C), undecanoic acid,caprylic/capric glycerides (akoline MCM), caprylic/capric triglycerides,propylene glycoldiester of caprylic-/capric acid, and emu oil. All arelow viscosity mixtures, preferably less than 35 cSt at 35° C. In certainembodiments, mixtures of one or more of the above oils are used incombination with a non-polar dilution solvent.

Factors that control the depth of penetration of the SMMR and itscompartmentalization into the cells and domains of the epidermis includethe polarity and partition coefficient of the SMMR as well as thesolvent and the molecular size. The SMMR compound may also bederivatized so that it is readily taken up by the cell and then actedupon by enzymes that chemically alter the SMMR to prevent it fromleaking out of the cell. One advantage of this type of approach is thatthe SMMR is only taken up in its active form by viable cells. Predictiveschemes for determining appropriate derivatization of SMMR compounds areprovided below. Alternative methods of derivatization well known tothose skilled in the art are also contemplated as part of the invention.

The physical properties of the solvent system that strongly influencepermeability in the skin include the molecular size, the vapor pressure,the water solubility, and the octanol water coefficient. Smallermolecular size increases the diffusion coefficient. The vapor pressurecontrols the balance between diffusion into the skin and evaporationfrom the surface. The water solubility and the octanol water partitioncoefficient determine the miscibility of the SMMR solution betweenaqueous interstitial fluid and hydrophobic core of the cell membrane.

For a passive solvent delivery system, the depth of penetration of theSMMR is strongly dependent on the volume of solvent added. Typically,the volume of SMMR used is from 10 μL to less than about 100 μL.Preferably, the concentration of SMMR is from 10 to 500 μM, morepreferably from 100 to 300 μM, and most preferably from 150 to 250 μM.Target cells are exposed to extracellular concentrations in the range of1 to 10 μM. Dilution of the SMMR concentration arises because of thediffusion properties from the surface of the tissue to the target cellsite.

The proposed volume range added to the skin or other tissue ispreferably from 1 to 50 μL, more preferably from 5 to 20 μL, and mostpreferably from 5 to 15 μL. Alternatively, a gel patch is usedcontaining an SMMR coated surface of approximately 6 mm in diameterconsisting of a concentration of SMMR preferably from 10 to 500 μM, morepreferably from 100 to 300 μM, and most preferably from 150 to 250 μM.

Solvent systems used for SMMRs may be adjusted depending upon theirmolecular properties and compatibility with the specific SMMR beingdelivered. For example, solvent hydrophobicity and polarity are notedalong with the solubility properties of the SMMR, Which will all have aneffect on the movement of the SMMR into the tissue. Each SMMR has acertain affinity for the solvent and the tissue. The solvent's activityfor delivering the SMMR directly to target tissue is a matter forempirical testing. One preferred embodiment of the invention uses anSMMR dissolved in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) and further diluted in asaturated hydrocarbon solvent (with from 10 to 40 carbons as linear orbranched chained molecules), or an alcohol (with from 2 to 4 carbons) ata volume ratio of 5:95 to 20:80, respectively. The optimum volume ofDMSO in the delivery solvent is less than 20 percent, as the DMSO isused to facilitate dissolution of the SMMR into the carrier hydrocarbonmixture. The mixture is added to the tissue in the concentrations andvolumes described above.

A gel patch may be used to apply the SMMR. In one embodiment, a gelcontains the SMMR in a volatile hydrocarbon solvent in suspension with apolymer such as PVA (polyvinyl alcohol). When placed against the skin orother living tissue, the heat of the skin causes the SMMR (dissolved inthe PVA-hydrocarbon solvent) to diffuse into the skin. The finaldiffusion depth is controlled by length of application time. Volumesbelow 100 μL minimize extraneous transdermal delivery and maximizedelivery into the epidermis target area. Optimum passive solventdelivery is attained by using a solvent mixture or emulsion thatfacilitates the movement of SMMR across the stratum corneum into theepidermis, but then dissipates rapidly to limit movement of the SMMRaway from the target area. Solvent systems that have the lowest toxicityinclude water, saturated hydrocarbon oils, polyethylene glycols andglycerol. Solvents systems that include alcohols and dimethyl sulfoxideare less favored in this application since these solvents are lessbiologically inert.

The SMMRs are applied directly to the surface of the skin and thenpassively allowed to penetrate the skin for a period of 1 minute to 5hours, more preferably less than 4 hours, and most preferably less than1 hour. Ideally, a solvent delivery system would be developed to provideSMMR delivery to the target tissue in less than 1 hour, more preferablyless than 30 minutes, and most preferably in less than 5 minutes. Thistime period allows the passive diffusion of the SMMRs into theappropriate epidermal cells.

Once the one or more SMMRs are activated as a result of placement withinthe skin, measuring fluorescence monitors the response of the skin cellsto glucose. As described herein, the fluorescence mechanism used iseither a direct or indirect indication of the glucose concentration inthe target cell environment. Fluorescence is typically measured using anoptical reader. The optical reader calculates the skin response toglucose, applies first principles mathematical models to the response(as described below and shown in FIG. 7), and provides a determinationof the blood glucose levels (See FIGS. 3, 8-9). The choice of theparticular commercially available or custom designed optical reader thatis compatible for use with the methods and compositions of thisinvention is within the ability of one skilled in the art of theinvention.

The application of reporters to the glucose glycolytic pathway isillustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 22 illustrates the glycolyticpathway and FIG. 23 highlights the positions within this metabolicpathway that are measured using reporters (e.g., the bold, underlined,italicized molecules*). In corresponding pathways for fructosemetabolism (FIGS. 24 and 25), and galactose metabolism (FIGS. 26 and27), the reporters technique measures portions of each metabolic pathwaythat are highlighted similarly.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing signal processing logic for determiningfinal corrected blood glucose levels from a fluorescence measurement ofan SMMR in the skin or other tissue. The Detector signal (asfluorescence or diffuse reflectance) is pre-amplified and the initialfluorescence ratio calculation is made. The signal is corrected using adiffuse reflection or empirical correction scheme (*Corr.) to produceG_(C). Next, one or more of a series of Demographic functions areapplied to the initial glucose (G_(C)) calculation to obtain ademographically corrected glucose level (G_(D)). This correction takesinto account optical and minor physiological differences derived fordemographic groups. The G_(D) value is then corrected for physiologicaldifferences such as exercise level, diabetes state, and healthconditions resulting in a glucose value corrected for uniquephysiological conditions (G_(P)). The G_(P) value is subjected to afinal correction for the lag component of translating diffusion of bloodglucose to skin glucose levels resulting in the final blood glucoseestimation (G_(BG)). This result is reported as the physiological bloodglucose for an individual and is considered the analytical result.

Simultaneously, a quality value is calculated telling the user thequality of the measurement taken and of the resultant glucose valuereported. Based on this quality value, the user may be instructed tomake one or more additional measurements until the quality value isindicative of an accurately reported glucose result.

An extension of this embodiment is the addition of SMMR molecules thatare allowed to penetrate more deeply into the skin. In some embodiments,SMMR penetrate as far as the papillary layer of the dermis (uppercorium), and into the reticular layer of the dermis (lower corium), upto about 300 μm. In other embodiments, SMMR are applied into thesubcutaneous layers of the skin. In further embodiments, injection oringestion of reporter molecules into the bloodstream, or into specificorgans or tissues, is utilized. The resultant fluorescence response ismeasured at the site of application, e.g., by using an optical readerwith remote optics (i.e., optical waveguides).

In alternative embodiments, the tissue being monitored is exposed, as insurgery or injury, or viewed remotely using invasive fiber optics, lightpipes, or camera-based remote optics.

The SMMRs may be applied directly to the tissue of a subject or isintegrated into paint or gel. The paint or gel containing the SMMR isplaced directly on the stratum corneum (outer skin) at one or more ofseveral recommended sites. These sites include, but are not restrictedto, e.g., the fingertip, the volar forearm, the upper arm, the foot, orany location where easy access to the skin is obtained without the needto disrobe. An added advantage for such a choice of location is to notinduce embarrassment when in public display. A preferable location is onthe side of the finger, where SMMR are tagged just above the firstknuckle. This avoids both inconvenience to the user and contaminationbrought about by prevalent use of the fingertip for routine activities.The volar forearm may also be used but is less preferred due to adecrease in vascularization at this skin site. The fingertip area ismost preferred due to its increased relative vascularization as comparedto the volar forearm and due to its convenience as a personal monitorsite for both public and private use.

Specialized methods using painless jet injection for placement ofreporter into the tissue are also encompassed by the invention. However,such techniques are not preferred, due to the high initial cost of thedevice. Multiple versions of jet injectors are commercially available(e.g., the INJEX™ developed and made available to the European market byRÖSCH ΔG Medizintechnik i.G.)

SMMR may be packaged and sold in any clinically appropriate manner knownto those skilled in the art, including in individual containers or inkits, and with or without disposable or non-disposable applicators. Adisposable applicator containing a solvent mixture, including but notlimited, e.g., to a liquid or gel, and containing one or more SMMR, canbe placed directly onto the outer skin and allowed to remain in placefor a period of time. The time required for the SMMR to become activatedis typically from 1 sec to 3 hrs, preferably less than 2 hrs, less than1 hr, less than 30 min, less than 10 min or less than 5 minutes.

The mechanism of action of the SMMR is to act as an in vivo fluorescencereporter for metabolites that are stoichiometrically proportional toother non-fluorescent metabolites that are part of well characterizedmetabolic pathways (such as glycolysis). These stoichiometricrelationships are most applicable when operative in living systems.These mechanisms and the techniques used to target these pathways aresummarized in Scheme 1, FIGS. 10-17.

Mitochondrial Membrane Redox Potential

Once introduced to the epidermal intercellular fluid and keratinocytes,the SMMRs will migrate preferentially to the target cells and cellularstructures of the live epidermal cells (keratinocytes), which aredirectly above the basal layer (stratum basale). For effectivemeasurement of glucose, the placement of the SMMR is preferably belowthe stratum corneum yet above the dermis, more specifically above thedermal papillae, because the device measures the glycolytic/metabolicactivity of living cells, and the cells in the stratum corneum areessentially dead. The use of dyes that require activation by metabolicprocesses within the cell limits background interferences from a SMMRthat has penetrated into dead tissue. Therefore, the methods andcompositions of this invention are also useful for distinguishingbetween live and dead tissue using the principle of activation bymetabolic processes. For example, SMMRs used as metabolic reporters willreport the level of metabolic activity in target cells whether dead,normal, hypo-metabolic, or hyper-metabolic. This is due to thesurprising discovery that SMMR-treated tissue provides unique spectralresponses for metabolically active living tissue that are significantlydifferent from the spectral responses from dead tissue. SMMRs thatprovide the most useful spectral responses include, but are not limitedto, molecules providing fluorescence reporting of reducing equivalents,reduction-oxidation potential, and the presence of metabolites activelyproduced during biosynthetic processes such as glycolysis.

The SMMRs selected for use in the methods and compositions of theinvention should have an affinity for the keratinocyte target cells andcellular structures located within the stratum spinosum. In someembodiments, the SMMR remains in place for several hours and/orthroughout the life cycle of the epidermal keratinocyte cells and iseventually sloughed off as part of the desquamating layer of the stratumcorneum. Epidermal keratinocytes have an average lifespan of 14 days,ranging from 4 to 20 days, and even up to 30 days, depending upon theindividual subject skin health conditions, physical abrasion, orunprotected use of caustic or acidic chemicals on the skin. In mostembodiments, the SMMR is introduced in low concentration, typically from10 μM to 500 μM, at nominal volumes from 200 μL to 5 μL, respectively.The insertion of the SMMR within the epidermis provides an added safetyfeature, such that only short-term exposure to the SMMR occurs at anypotential measurement site. In certain embodiments, the finalinterstitial fluid concentration of SMMR used is from 0.01 to 500μg·ml⁻¹, more preferably 1 to 100 μg·ml⁻¹, and most preferably 5 to 20μg·ml⁻¹, based upon a molecular weight of approximately 380 Daltons forthe SMMR. These concentrations apply irrespective of the molecularweights of the SMMR, which range from approximately 100 Da toapproximately 250 kDa. For the invention, the SMMR for these molecularweight ranges can be placed into target tissues for reporting ofglycolytic activity or other metabolic processes. Dosage of the SMMRsolution involves adding 1 to 100 μL to a spot that is 0.1-5 mm indiameter, preferably less than 2 mm in diameter. One skilled in the artwill be able to modify these dosage requirements based on empirical testresults for specific metabolic reporting applications and signalintensity requirements.

Direct Measurement of Glucose Using the Sensor Compositions of theInvention

In another embodiment of the invention, glucose levels are measuredusing a direct mechanism for in vivo fluorescence measurement ofglucose. Direct measurement technologies utilize a mechanism forfluorescent spectra that responds directly to the glucose moleculeitself, rather than ones that respond to changes in a related metaboliteor analyte. The methods involve applying the sensor composition of theinvention to a surface of the skin for a predetermined period of time,causing penetration of the sensor composition to a depth of about 10 μmto about 175 μm, monitoring a change in glucose concentration in theskin by detecting changes in the fluorescence or absorption, andcorrelating the glucose concentration within the skin with blood glucoselevels, thereby determining the concentration of glucose in the blood.However, depths up to about 300 μm are also contemplated as part of theinvention.

Accordingly, the present invention provides materials, apparatuses, andmethods for several non-invasive techniques for determining in vivoblood glucose levels based upon the direct measurement of glucose levelspresent in the skin. These methods use reporters of the invention todetermine glucose levels in the skin, which may then be correlated toblood glucose levels as described herein.

Sensor compositions are disclosed, wherein one or more reporters aredeposited at a depth from the surface of the skin of from about 10 μm toabout 175 μm in the epidermis at an effective concentration. However,depths up to about 300 μm are also contemplated as part of theinvention. When the reporter contacts a molecule of glucose, a change influorescence or absorption of the one or more reporters occurs, therebyallowing quantification of the change in fluorescence. The measuredchange in fluorescence is indicative of the total glucose concentrationwithin the skin. The quantification of the change in fluorescence isperformed using fluorescence or absorption spectroscopy, or anequivalent wavelength emission detection technology.

As one or more reporters are deposited at the epidermis, thefluorescence response is measured using a handheld sensor, preferable alow cost handheld sensor. Reporters are preferably relatively smallentities of specific molecular size, polarity, charge, and structure,which undergo a change in fluorescence or absorption when brought incontact with an analyte molecule.

These methods utilize glucose oxidase or modified glucose oxidase tomeasure skin glucose in vivo by reacting SMMRs directly with glucosewithin the skin to form a colored or fluorescent product. The quantityof color change or fluorescence is indicative of the total glucoseconcentration within the skin. The skin glucose thus determined is usedto infer blood glucose levels as calibrated and described herein. A SMMRfluorophore can be intercalated into glucose oxidase at the FAD site orsecondarily attached to the periphery of the molecule where itfluoresces when brought in contact with a specific analyte molecule or abyproduct of a reaction of the fluorophore-attached enzyme with theanalyte molecule.

The one or more SMMRs used in this aspect of the invention include, forexample, Glucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and GlucoseOxidase-having FAD in the triplet state (GOx-³FAD*).

The use of a Glucose Oxidase—Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) or GlucoseOxidase—with a photooxidizable cofactor (such as FAD), or anotherintercalated fluorophore, provides detailed information regarding invivo glucose levels in the picomolar through millimolar range in livingskin tissue, interstitial fluid, or blood. Measurement and determinationof blood glucose levels, based upon skin glucose levels, is a valuabletool in the monitoring and control of diabetes mellitus. According tothe present invention, specific first principle mathematical models areapplied to the direct non-invasive determination of skin glucose levelsin order to model the blood glucose levels.

In another embodiment of this invention, methods for monitoring bloodglucose levels using photo-induced electron transfer are described.These methods, as an exemplary fluorescence-labeled protein SMMR isused, such that the reaction of glucose with the triplet excited stateof the FAD moiety contained with the glucose oxidase protein (GOx-³FAD*)may be monitored kinetically by a reduction in the lifetime of thetriplet state and under steady state conditions by a decrease in thetriplet absorption. This measurement of the triplet state of FAD forglucose monitoring is provided. The skin glucose thus determined is usedto infer blood glucose levels.

In yet another embodiment, protein-labeled fluorophores and proteinscomprising a photooxidizable cofactor (such as FAD), or proteinscomprising another intercalated fluorophore are provided as directreporters of glucose or glucose metabolic products throughout theanaerobic or aerobic glycolytic pathways. Preferrably, these reporterswould indicate quantitative levels of D-glucose (FIG. 7).

The supply of glucose at the epidermis is provided by mass transportfrom the blood vessels and capillary fields located within the dermis,immediately beneath the epidermis. The movement of glucose from theblood stream to the epidermis is concentration-dependent, rather thaninsulin-regulated, thereby allowing the skin glucose levels to providethe basis for measurement of blood glucose as a direct inference fromskin glucose measurement. The rate of glucose transport into theepidermis is indicative of the differential between skin glucose andblood glucose levels. Thus, the rate of transport into skin allows anaccurate extrapolation of blood glucose levels using first principlesmathematical extrapolation techniques. Once modeled, the kinetics ofblood glucose transport to the skin from the blood enables thedetermination of the precise first principles mathematical relationshipbetween the rate of change of skin glucose concentration and the rate ofchange of blood glucose concentration. Thus, rapid blood glucoseconcentration changes up or down are accurately tracked by determiningthe skin glucose mean concentration levels and the rate of change ofskin glucose levels. First principles mathematical models can bedeveloped for the individual case, preferably for small localpopulations, and most preferably for a universal patient case.

The use of fluorescence and absorption of endogenous and exogenouschromophores and fluorophores is directed by known metabolic pathwaysthat operate in living tissue. The interpretation of these data and theapplication of the invention to the monitoring of in vivo analytes,particularly glucose, is simplified by the use of mathematical models ofthese metabolic processes. A number of computer models of theseprocesses which vary in complexity and include: glucose transport,glycogen synthesis, lactate formation and transport, oxidativephosphorylation and the generation of reducing equivalents in tissuehave been reported. These models are used to identify the optimumexperimental conditions to measure an analyte concentration inparticular the blood glucose concentration.

The glucose oxidase is reacted with glucose containing flavin adeninedinucleotide (FAD) to generate the triplet state of FAD denoted as³FAD*. The ³FAD* reacts with molecular oxygen (O₂) and glucose. Thereaction of the ³FAD* with glucose may be monitored kinetically usinglow-cost instrumentation by measuring a reduction in the lifetime of thetriplet state. Under steady-state conditions the reaction of glucose and³FAD* can be monitored by a decrease in ³FAD* absorption.

It has been shown that fluorophores, or colored dyes utilizingabsorption spectroscopy, can be used to measure glucose in solution orserum by using a series of separate reagents. These generic reagentsinclude glucose oxidase (which oxidizes glucose forming hydrogenperoxide); peroxidase (generally horseradish peroxidase: HRP) used tocreate an oxidizing reaction in the presence of hydrogen peroxide withthe dye or fluorophore and a dye reagent or fluorophore, which changesits color or fluorescence spectrum when brought in contact with hydrogenperoxide, and peroxidase. The resultant colored or fluorescent speciesis measured with a colorimeter or fluorometer, and the amount of glucosein solution is calculated. In addition, other analytical techniques havebeen shown to be commercially useful for measuring hydrogen peroxidegenerated from the reaction of glucose oxidase and glucose.

In one embodiment, a small molecule metabolic reporter (i.e., GlucoseOxidase-Labeled Fluorophore: GO-LF), when brought in contact withglucose, forms a fluorescent species. The GO-LF molecule is in the formof glucose oxidase protein whereby a fluorescent cofactor analog isincorporated as a substituent molecule (SubMol) to the enzyme cofactorflavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). One advantage of the presentinvention is the increased sensitivity of 10-100 times the formervisible color reaction, smaller analyte concentration requirements (pMvs. μM or mM of glucose), and greater simplicity of the chemical stripsystem (i.e., a single reagent versus multiple reagents as described indetail herein). This sensor or reader measuring the strip responserequires less sample volume, less sensitivity, and less power thanprevious strips while yielding improved accuracy.

The basic science required to add dyes to protein molecules has beenpreviously described and are well known to those skilled in the art.See, E. Katz et al. Glutathione reductase was transformed into a‘photoenzyme’ by tethering to the protein photoactive eosin dye units(Eo⁻²) with the resulting mechanism of the enzyme photoactivationsummarized.

One embodiment of this invention employs a specific enzyme (i.e.,glucose oxidase), whereby a specific fluorescent cofactor analog isincorporated as a substituent to the enzyme cofactor flavin adeninedinucleotide (FAD). This molecule is then deposited into the skin of aliving individual, and is used for the purpose of detecting glucose inthe skin fork predicting blood glucose levels. The concept of creatingthis specific molecule for incorporation into as living organism forroutine monitoring of glucose levels is unique.

The reaction between glucose and the excited triplet state of thecofactor within the protein is detected in a method for in vivo,non-invasive glucose or glucose-pathway derived metabolite detection inliving organisms.

Glucose Monitoring Using Glucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF)

Many current commercially available blood glucose test strip productsutilize a well-known color reaction caused by the presence of glucose ina body fluid sample drawn from interstitial tissue fluid or from blood.This reaction is described as the formation of hydrogen peroxide fromthe reaction of dissolved or suspended serum glucose with a test stripcontaining glucose oxidase. Glucose oxidase, a flavoenzyme, catalyzesthe following reactions as shown in M9, M10 and M11 below:

The stoichiometric formation of hydrogen peroxide in proportion withmolar serum glucose concentration is detected by the addition ofperoxidase (generally horseradish peroxidase: HRP) to form a coloredcomponent when further reacted with an indicator (i.e., an oxidizabledye). The additional extraneous oxidation of the colored dye isinhibited using a color stabilizing reaction. Thus, the peroxidasecatalyzes the oxidation of an indicator in the presence of hydrogenperoxide while the final color-changing reaction is stabilized.

The present invention eliminates the color reaction step by reacting aGlucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) directly with glucoseyielding a fluorescence response. One advantage of the present inventionis the increased sensitivity of 10-100 times the former visible colorreaction, smaller analyte concentration requirements pM versus μM or mMof glucose, and greater simplicity of the chemical strip system (i.e., asingle reagent versus multiple reagents). The sensor or reader measuringthe strip response requires less sample volume, less sensitivity, andless power than previous strips, while yielding improved accuracy. Theinvention is described using descriptive text equation form as: 1Glucose plus 1 Glucose oxidase labeled fluorophore (GO-LF) yields 1Hydrogen peroxide; 1 Hydrogen peroxide plus 1 GO-LF yields 1 GO-LF*(Fluorescence signal); and by using the more detailed chemical symbolsas reactions M12, M13 and M14:

β−D−glucose+(GO−LF)

(GO−LF)+δ−D−gluconolactone  (M12)

(GO−LF)+O₂→(GO−LF)+H₂O₂  (M13)

H₂O₂+(GO−LF)→(GO−LF*fluorescent)+O₂  (M14)

Hydrogen peroxide is measured using the enzyme catalase combined with anoxygen sensing fluorophore (FL) such that a fluorescence signal,molecular oxygen, and water are generated from the reaction shown asM15:

Multiple fluorescence sensors or molecules can be used for detection ofhydrogen peroxide or oxygen once formed from the reactions of glucoseand GO or hydrogen peroxide and catalase, respectively. Addition ofglucose to a solution of glucose oxidase causes an increase influorescence after a lag time. The lag period can be related to theconcentration of the glucose oxidase, the oxygen concentration and theglucose concentration. Assuming that the rate constant for thereoxidation of the reduced enzyme is significantly greater than thebinding and oxidation of glucose, and that the concentration of the freeoxidized enzyme is higher than that of other forms before the time atwhich the fluorescence changes, then the following expression shown asM16 has been derived. See for example, Q. H. Gibson et al., Biol. Chem.239:3927, 1964; and J. F. Sierra et al., Anal. Chem. 69:1471, 1997. Itshould be noted that the measurement of oxygen within the tissue isrequired for optimum utilization of equation M16 for determination ofglucose concentration.

$\begin{matrix}{{t_{m} - t_{0}} = {\frac{1}{{k_{1}\left\lbrack {GO}_{x} \right\rbrack}_{0}}{\ln \left( \frac{\lbrack G\rbrack_{0}}{\lbrack G\rbrack_{0} - {2\left\lbrack O_{2} \right\rbrack}_{0}} \right)}}} & ({M16})\end{matrix}$

where

t_(m) Time between the change in glucose and the time at which thefluorescence changes;

t₀ Time at which glucose changes;

k₁ Rate constant for the reduction of GO_(x) by glucose;

[GO_(x)]₀ Initial concentration of glucose oxidase;

[G]₀ Initial concentration of glucose; and

2[O₂]₀ Initial concentration of oxygen.

The application of this analysis to the in vitro measurement of glucoseis shown in FIG. 38

With the concentration of glucose oxidase and oxygen used in thisexperiment, the experiment is most sensitive over a glucoseconcentration range of about 18-216 mg/dL, i.e., about 1 mM-12 mM. Thisrange can be adjusted by changing the glucose oxidase concentration. Theactual concentration of glucose oxidase is determined from diffusereflectance. It can be seen from this data that the intensity of thefluorescence is also indicative of the glucose concentration and thismeasurement may be combined with the dynamic measurements to determineglucose concentration.

Energy transfer within the GO-LF molecule mediates the GO-LFfluorescence intensity. Because of this, it is proposed that thefluorescence of GO-LF reports the in vivo reaction of glucose withglucose oxidase in the presence of molecular oxygen (occurring withinskin tissue or the surrounding tissue fluid).

The specific fluorophores useful in the methods and compositions of thisaspect of the invention include any number of a group of fluorophoreshaving a three-ring structure similar to that demonstrated by thefluorescent moiety of FAD as an enzyme cofactor substituent molecule.This fluorophore is inserted into the FAD location within the glucoseoxidase molecule (protein) structure and is here termed the substituentmolecule (SubMol). These principles for glucose determination aredescribed herein and are illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 21.

Examples of SMMR suitable for direct glucose measurement include GlucoseOxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF), Glucose Oxidase-IntercalatedFluorophore (GO-IF), Glucose Oxidase—having FAD in the triplet state(GOx-³FAD*), or another protein designed to act as a molecular sensor bysubstitution of a fluorophore into the protein so as to produce andoptimize an optical signal when an analyte molecule is inserted into aprotein specific binding site.

The types and groups of molecules useful as fluorescent SubMols areillustrated in structures G through J. It should be noted that oneskilled in the art could employ these methods to similar biomoleculesand protein variants to achieve similar results.

It should also be noted that a variety of proteins could be used tocreate small molecule metabolic reporters for many other analytes,including, but not limited to the following examples. Thus, one skilledin the art could utilize anyone of these molecular sensors to create invivo, low-cost, non-invasive metabolite sensors.

Reporters designed for fluorescence detection of reactive species (RS)such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), molecular oxygen (O₂), hydroxylradical (HO*), peroxyl radical (HOO*) singlet oxygen (¹O₂) andsuperoxide anion (*O₂ ⁻) can all be used to measure glucoseconcentration based on stoichiometric formation of colored orfluorescent species. The colored or fluorescent compounds result fromthe reaction of the fluorophore or colored compound with hydrogenperoxide, which is formed from the reaction of glucose with the glucoseoxidase portion of the GO-LF molecule. The reporter will yield afluorescence signal when placed in near proximity to the reactivespecies. Molecular structures useful for SubMol insertion for specificdetection of the reactive species described herein can be obtainedcommercially from suppliers such as Molecular Probes, Inc., 29851 WillowCreek Rd., Eugene, Oreg. 97402 USA. Other suppliers may provide similarmolecules also useful for detection of RS.

Electrochemical sensors can also be used to detect this hydrogenperoxide after a reaction of glucose with glucose oxidase in ex vivobody fluids that were removed from the skin. See, e.g., S. Gebhart etal., Glucose Sensing in Transdermal Body Fluid Collected undercontinuous vacuum pressure via Micropores in the Stratum Corneum.

Many enzymes, especially redox active enzymes, utilize cofactors tofacilitate their catalytic activity. These factors are not amino acidsbut are often redox active species. Common cofactors and the enzymesthey are found in include, but are not limited to:

1. NADH

Alcohol dehydrogenase, Lactate dehydrogenase

2. FAD

Glucose oxidase, Malate dehydrogenase, Cholesterol oxidase

3. Thiamine pyrophosphate

Pyruvate dehydrogenase

4. Herne

Cytochrome c peroxidase, Chloride peroxidase, Hemoglobin (Oxygen).

5. Metals [metals given after the enzyme]

Glutathione peroxidase [selenium], L-Ascorbate oxidase [Copper],Superoxide dismutase [copper, zinc].

The potential analytes are denoted with italics. The cofactors listedhere may be replaced with a number of fluorescent analogs that reportthe activity of the enzyme by their fluorescence or absorptionproperties. For example, NADH may be replaced by substitutedbenzoquinones, which are highly colored molecules in the oxidized formand fluoresce in the visible part of the spectrum. They are also redoxactive. A range of xanthene dyes or analogs of methylene blue mayreplace FAD. Xanthene dyes are redox active and highly fluorescent. Hemecofactors may be replaced by porphyrins. Porphyrins are fluorescent,have very high molar absorption coefficients and generate excitedtriplet states in high yield when photoexcited. They are commonly usedto determine oxygen concentrations from the lifetime of the tripletstate. Metal ions are not easily replaced with a fluorescent species,however the oxidation state of the metal ion may be determined byelectron transfer with dyes bound to other parts of the enzyme. Metalions are readily oxidized and reduced and the oxidation state may bedetermined from their reactivity with an exogenous photoexcited dye. Theoxidation state of the metal reports the reactivity of the enzyme withthe relevant substrate.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are specificcommercially available molecules useful for detecting the RS listedwithin this invention. For example, for hydrogen peroxide detection,commercial reagents available from Molecular Probes, Inc. include:Carbioxyl-H₂DCFDA, CM-H₂DCFDA, Dihydrocalcein AM, Dihydrorhodamine 123,Dihydrorhodamine 6G, H₂DCFDA, Lucigenin, Luminol, and RedoxSensor RedCC-1. Reagents, which respond to peroxidase introduction or whichundergo fluorescence change when oxidized, are also useful for thisdetection.

Molecular oxygen can be detected using one of several regimes. However,these techniques use a region of the ultraviolet spectrum that is notpractical for living organisms, and this mechanism is described here tonote that the method could be used for ex vivo analysis. However,multiple dyes used as reagents can be applied for determination ofmolecular oxygen as shown in M17 and M18 below:

O₂ +hν→O+O  (M17)

and

O₂+hν→O₂ ⁺ +e ⁻  (M18)

The free electron is then sensed via reduction-induced-fluorescence(RIF) detection. In RIF detection, fluorophores such as fluorescein,rhodamine, and others are reduced from a highly colored fluorescentstate to a colorless, nonfluorescent leuco dye state. These dyes areavailable commercially and their actions are described in variousliterature sources and in commercial fluorophore and reagent catalogs.See for example, Arch Toxicol 68:582, 1994; Brain Res 635:113, 1994;Chem Res Toxicol 5, 227, 1992.

The hydroxyl radical can be measured using CM-H2DCFFDA, Proxylfluorescamine, and TEMPO-9-AC. Peroxyl radical detection is performedusing BODIPY FL EDA, BODIPY 665/676, H₂DCFDA, Carboxyl-H₂DCFDA,CM-H₂DCFDA, DPPP, Luminol, cis-Parinariuc Acid, RedoxSensor Red CC-1.Singlet oxygen is detected using commercial reagents astrans-1-(2′-methoxyvinyl) pyrene. One skilled in the art of syntheticorganic chemistry and photochemistry could synthesize additionalmolecules with similar structures, which would also respond in alikewise manner.

Glucose Monitoring Using Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide Triplet State(³FAD*)

One embodiment of this invention describes a method for monitoring bloodglucose levels in live tissue, such as skin, solid tissue, tissuefluids, and plasma, using photo-induced electron transfer as describedherein. The direct oxidation of glucose in vivo is facilitated by theenzyme glucose oxidase, which catalyses the oxidation of glucose togluconolactone. Gluconolactone spontaneously hydrolyzes to gluconicacid. The cofactor in this reaction is flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)and the reaction involves the reduction of the FAD moiety within theglucose oxidase. FAD is eventually re-oxidized by molecular oxygen withthe resultant production of hydrogen peroxide.

The reduction of FAD to FADH₂ is a two-electron reduction process. Invivo the kinetics of this reaction are facilitated by the enzyme matrix,which orients the reactants in an optimum conformation. One electrontransfer to generate the semi-reduced FAD radical and the semi-oxidizedglucose radical may be induced by the absorption of a photon. Electrontransfer then proceeds from the first excited singlet state or, morelikely from the longer-lived first excited triplet state. FAD or anotherspecific photo-oxidant may be used to generate this reaction

The reaction scheme as written for FAD may be summarized as shown inM19:

FAD absorbs a quantum of light, represented by hν to form the firstexcited singlet state, designated as ¹FAD*. The most likely fate of thisspecies is decay to the ground state with concomitant fluorescenceemission. The singlet state may also react with some quencher, Q, whichmay be molecular oxygen, glucose or some other reactive species. Thefraction of species that decay by this route is relatively small sincethe intrinsic lifetime of this species is short (i.e., nanoseconds).Approximately thirty percent of ¹FAD* may also form the triplet state,designated as ³FAD*. This ³FAD* species has an intrinsic lifetime ofabout 30 μs and may decay in a radiationless transition to the groundstate. In vivo, ³FAD* may react with molecular oxygen and glucose. Thereaction of the glucose with the triplet-excited state of FAD may bemonitored kinetically by a reduction in the lifetime of the tripletstate and under steady state conditions by a decrease in the tripletabsorption.

For measurement of glucose, the reporter protein is placed in thekeratinocyte layer at 30 μm to 50 μm and up to 175 μm in the pits of thepapillae. The reporter protein penetrates into the skin for some periodof time to allow activation following passive diffusion kinetics. Onceactivated, the change in fluorescence or absorption response of the skincells to changes in inter- and intra-cellular glucose is monitoreddirectly using an optical reader. Chemicals such as salicylic acid canbe used to facilitate the penetration of reporter into the skin.

The reporter protein may be introduced into the skin by passivediffusion over 24-48 hours, more preferably within 2-6 hours, and mostpreferably within about 30 seconds to 5 minutes. An active mechanismutilizing skin permeation, electroporation, or ultrasonic poration (seefor example Sontra Medical Corporation, Cambridge, Mass.) is anotherprocedure for introducing reporter protein into the skin. Devices usefulfor this application sense glucose directly in the interstitial fluidsurrounding the skin cells by removing fluid or gaining access to fluidfor analysis. This present invention can be used for introducing a smallquantity of low concentration reporter protein solution into the skinfor direct reading of the reporter protein as an indication of both skinand inferred blood glucose levels.

Instrumentation Required for Reporter Monitoring

The instrumentation required to detect changes in reporter signal mayconsist of simple light emitting diode sources combined with low-costsolid-state detectors. The mechanism of signal extraction relating to abiochemical or physiological process is derived from the elucidation andmeasurement of key metabolic pathways. The reporters are excited, andthe remitted energy detected over the wavelength region of 190 nm to 850nm (See FIG. 38). The three mechanisms of measurement for metabolites orprecursors using the reporters of the invention include (1) usingreporters to increase the signal-to-noise of native autofluorescencesignals indicative of human reductive metabolism [FADH₂, NADH, andNAD(P)H], (2) using reporters for selection and enhancement of specificmetabolite and precursor signals in tissue that are indicative ofmetabolic state and allow determination of changes in metabolism [Ca²⁺,lactate, oxygen], and (3) using reporters to directly measure thepresence of intracellular or extracellular molecular metabolites[protein-FL, and protein-⁻³FAD*].

All three mechanisms of signal identification and enhancement allowutilization of low-cost, hand held spectrophotometric equipment (e.g.,LED excitation and diode detectors) that is simple in design and doesnot require advanced or complicated computational algorithms. Suchequipment is not harmful to subjects and requires just an additionaldisposable component (other than a calibration strip) to prepare thesubject for metabolite monitoring. A measurement device approximatelythe size of a personal cell phone having quality features, such as thosewhich allow the user to determine whether a specific measurement isvalid, or whether a repeat measurement is required, can be used. Such ahand-held, battery powered device is intended to be used eitheroccasionally, or on a continuous, real-time monitoring basis forsubjects requiring serious health management regimes. A singlecalibration allows continuous monitoring for up to several hours. Acalibration technology that utilizes a calibration strip, which mimicsthe optical response of the subject and allows freedom from continuouscorrection using primary analysis devices, can be used. Othercalibration technologies contemplated by the invention will be readilydiscerned by those skilled in the art.

As an example, to use the device, the subject or physician prepares thearea to be measured using the enhancement technology, which is painlessand requires a patch (similar in appearance to a Band-Aid®), paint, orspray to be applied to the targeted tissue area. This treatmentconditions the tissue area for from a few minutes up to 30 days,depending upon the SMMR properties selected and the depth at which ithas been deposited in the subject tissue. The device is then calibratedusing a calibration strip and is ready to make measurements for up to 2hours or more, without requiring additional calibration. The subject orphysician examines the conditioned area with the sensor and makes ameasurement. Typically, the measurement takes less than about 5 seconds,and the sensor provides the appropriate metabolite concentration orreports that a repeat measurement is required.

In another embodiment, if the photophysics of fluorescent dyes areconsidered, the fluorescence changes associated with the SMMR and theanalyte may also be monitored using fluorescence lifetime technology.One preferred embodiment for such a hand held device capable ofmeasuring lifetime changes is to use a phase and modulationspectrometer, which is a device constructed from a radio frequencymodulated light emitting diode and a miniature photomultiplier orphotodiode, whose signal is amplified by a phase sensitive amplifier.Such devices have been well characterized in the literature and arecommercially available in a variety of forms. Manufacturers of suchdevices include: Photon Technology International, Inc., 1009 LenoxDrive, Lawrenceville, N.J. 08648; PicoQuant GmbH, Rudower Chaussee 29(IGZ) 12489 Berlin, Germany; Tecan Systems Inc., 2450 Zanker Road, SanJose, Calif. 95131; Thermo Oriel, 150 Long Beach Blvd., Stratford, Conn.06615. These devices measure both the degree of modulation of thefluorophore and the phase shift of the emission relative to theexcitation light, and these two parameters are then related to thelifetime of the dye. Determination of these parameters at a number offrequencies increases the accuracy of the device.

The instrumentation suitable for monitoring glucose via ³FAD*determination includes a device that is capable of monitoring transientabsorption changes induced by an excitation source. Two examples of suchinstrumentation are described here.

First, an excitation wavelength is chosen to match an absorption band ofthe electron acceptor. For FAD this wavelength is either 380 nm or 450nm. It is also an option to use both wavelengths. The excitation sourceis modulated at a frequency that is different from any sources ofelectrical or optical interference. Any harmonic of 60 Hz in the UnitedStates would not be used because this is the frequency of the ACelectric supply. The triplet state absorption is monitored from itsabsorption at 650 nm. A suitable 650 nm source (e.g., a laser diode)irradiates the sample volume irradiated by the excitation source and thelight backscattered from the sample is detected with a suitable detector(e.g., photodiode). Triplet state generation results in a fraction ofthe 650 nm light being absorbed, and provided the modulation frequencyis sufficiently short compared to the lifetime of the triplet state(typically 30 μs in oxygen free solution) then the backscattered lightwill be modulated at the same frequency. The signal seen by the detectorappears as a modulated signal superimposed on a constant background. ACcoupling of this signal to a lock-in amplifier allows rejection ofinterfering light sources. In the presence of glucose, the triplet statereacts with the electron acceptor (FAD) and the triplet state absorptionis reduced. The amount of FAD in the skin is quantified by a groundstate absorption measurement at the excitation wavelength.

Second, an instrument that operates in the time domain may also quantifythe triplet state. The apparatus is similar to that described above,with some important differences. The excitation source is intensitymodulated. If the frequency of this modulation is chosen so the lifetimeof the triplet state is relatively long compared to one cycle of theexcitation source oscillation then a phase shift is introduced betweenthe excitation and the detected modulated monitoring beam. The magnitudeof the phase shift is given by the expression shown in M20:

tan φ=ωτ  (M20)

where φ is the phase shift, ω is the circular modulation frequency and τis the lifetime of the transient species. The phase shift as a functionof transient lifetime at a modulation frequency of 20 kHz is shown inFIG. 39.

As shown in FIG. 39, at the designated frequency, the phase shift ismost sensitive to changes of lifetime in the 2-10 μs timescale. Themonitoring source is a laser diode or LED operating at a wavelengthwhere the electron acceptor triplet state absorbs. The detector is aphotodetector, AC-coupled to a lock-in amplifier that returns themagnitude and the phase shift of the signal. The phase shift is relatedto the lifetime of the acceptor by the expression given above and thelifetime is related to the glucose concentration by the expression inM21:

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{1}{\tau} = {k_{d} + {k_{ox}\left\lbrack O_{2} \right\rbrack} + {k_{q}\lbrack G\rbrack}}} & ({M21})\end{matrix}$

where k_(d) is rate constant for decay by all means other than reactionwith oxygen or reaction with glucose, k_(ox) is the rate constant forreaction with oxygen, [O₂] is the oxygen concentration, k_(q) is therate constant for reaction with glucose and [G] is the glucoseconcentration.

The specificity of the instrumentation used for the measurement ofglucose concentration is brought about by attaching the electronacceptor (SubMol) to a protein that has a high affinity for glucose. Oneexample of such a protein is glucose oxidase, which already contains theelectron acceptor FAD. FAD may be exchanged for other xanthene dyes thathave similar size and charge. For specific determination of glucoseconcentration, selectivity to glucose is improved by linking theelectron acceptor to a glucose specific binding protein such as glucoseoxidase

Calibration of Instrumentation Using Solutions or Strips with KnownMetabolite Concentrations

One advantage of the present invention is the use of small reagentstrips for calibrating the instrumentation required for measuringmetabolites (i.e., glucose). The reagent strips are polymer strips withwicking capacity that contain an exact molar concentration of SMMR andmetabolite to elicit a specific optical response corresponding to theknown metabolite (i.e., glucose) levels for human tissue, tissue fluid,and blood. This technique allows precise optical calibration ofmetabolite measuring instruments from 0 to 2000 mg/dL in fluids (i.e.,approximately 0 to 100 mM for molecules of approximately 350 to 400daltons); or from 0 to 10 percent by weight or volume of metabolitecomprising the range found in human tissue. This technique allowsprecise optical calibration of glucose measuring instruments from 0 to650 mg/dL (i.e., approximately 0 to 35 mM) glucose comprising the rangeof glucose found in human tissue.

Instruments may also be designed to image specific tissue areas where anenhanced signal for metabolites and precursors could allow easy tissuediscrimination for damages, circulation poor, necrotic or canceroustissue versus normal. This tissue having enhanced signal content can beused for physiological studies related to genome, pharmacogenomic, andproteomic studies where genetic code is related to metabolic factors.

To calibrate an instrument, the calibration strip is activated by mixinga known concentration of metabolite into a known concentration ofreporter protein. The resultant optical response is used to set thereported metabolite measurement or reading levels on the measuringinstrument. This calibration procedure can be conducted for any level ofmetabolite and is most often completed for two levels to bracket thenormal concentration levels. Calibration strips can be made at anymetabolite level, however it is preferred that metabolite concentrationsof from 0 to 150 percent of the highest expected or theoretical levelsbe used for calibration, most preferably from 50 to 150 percent ofexpected levels be used for calibration.

For example, for glucose, it is preferred that glucose concentrations offrom about 0 mg/dL to about 500 mg/dL be used for calibration, and mostpreferred from about 50 mg/dL to about 350 mg/dL be used forcalibration. The combined SMMR and detection system can also be used forqualitative analysis of metabolites wherein the purpose of the techniqueis to identify the presence of a metabolite or precursor (analyte) or todiscriminate tissues having high and low levels of a metabolite orprecursor, rather than to quantify it. These methods and compositionsare useful for identifying the condition of tissue metabolic healthduring injury, surgery, or cancer detection.

The invention will be further described in the following examples, whichdo not limit the scope of the invention described in the claims.

Example 1 Relating Fluorescence of Mitochondrial Membrane Probes toD-Glucose Concentration

Described herein is a technique for establishing the dose-responserelationship for tracking skin and blood glucose concentrations usingmitochondrial membrane potential. The SMMR used in this embodiment havethe demonstrated property of being mitochondrial-specific vital stainsthat respond in a direct relationship to the rate of glycolysis, whichis directly related to intracellular glucose concentration. Thefluorescence response of one specific embodiment of this invention usesSMMR exhibiting an excitation wavelength of from 290 to 790 nm, morepreferably 400 to 550 nm, and most preferably from 440 to 490 nm, i.e.,the wavelengths used to excite a fluorescence response of the SMMR. Thefluorescence is monitored at above 480 nm, preferably above 490 nm andmost preferably at 501 nm. The upper range for monitoring is at or below790 nm. Excitation and emission wavelengths are selected to minimizeabsorption and fluorescence by endogenous chromophores and fluorophores.

Mitochondrial activity as monitored by oxidative phosphorylation isdirectly correlated to the number of reducing equivalents derived fromNADH, which is generated by aerobic glycolysis or from the conversion ofpyruvate to CO₂ within the mitochondrial organelles. For aerobicmetabolism the number of reducing equivalents is directly andquantitatively (i.e., stoichiometrically) equal to ten times the numberof glucose molecules entering the metabolizing cell. The glucoseglycolysis pathway is depicted in FIG. 23.

For anaerobic glycolysis, the metabolism of glucose to pyruvategenerates two NADH molecules in the cytoplasm of the cell per glucosemolecule. NADH is available to the mitochondria by a NADH shuttle systemin the mitochondrial membrane. The stoichiometry of this process is suchthat for every glucose molecule metabolized, two pyruvate molecules aregenerated. The conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA and subsequently tocarbon dioxide in the Krebs citric acid cycle is accompanied by thegeneration of an additional four NADH molecules per pyruvatemetabolized. Therefore, the overall yield of NADH per glucosemetabolized is ten molecules. The final product of glucose metabolism iscarbon dioxide and water.

Under conditions where the most important metabolic substrate is glucoseto drive glycolysis, as occurs in the skin, the fluorescence response islinear and in direct proportion to the intracellular glucoseconcentration. Once the SMMR is introduced to the appropriate celllayers (specifically live epidermal cells (keratinocytes) directly abovethe basal layer (stratum basale)), the SMMR enters the keratinocyte cellmembrane and accumulates in the cell mitochondria. When the SMMR is inplace for living cells, the fluorescence response may be fullysufficient for in vivo noninvasive determination of the rate ofoxidative phosphorylation (i.e., the Kreb's cycle) for living humanepidermal cells.

The fluorescence response of these dyes is then related to blood glucoselevel by the relationships shown in equations 1 and 2. The action of anySMMR or other dye meeting the requirements outlined above include thosemolecules that are mitochondrion-selective vital SMMRs, which act toindicate the NAD(P)H activity within the mitochondria and, in somecases, the cytosol. The dyes, when used singly or in combination, havean affinity for the mitochondria and accumulate within this organelle ina quantity that is directly proportional to the living cell membranepotential. Changes in membrane potential are reflected in changes in dyelevels, thus providing real time monitoring of metabolic state. In otherpreferred embodiments, all such dyes useful for this invention arenontoxic, non-carcinogenic, non-teratogenic, and do not deleteriouslyaffect the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or natural sunlight.In preferred embodiments, such dyes included in the present inventionare highly fluorescent, are evenly dispersible in the cell andinterstitial cell fluid, cannot aggregate or agglomerate, and do notexhibit binding-dependent fluorescent efficiency and quantum yields. Inmost embodiments, these dyes do not inhibit or restrict normal cellmetabolism nor adversely affect cell viability or health in theconcentrations and manner used.

Indirect measurement of blood glucose concentration is made as follows.A two-dye measurement regime is provided wherein a non redox indicatingdye, which exhibits stable fluorescence with a change in glucose orother metabolites (i.e., the marker dye); and a dye that exhibits directchanges in fluorescence intensity with a change in glucose (i.e., thereporter dye) are measured individually. Optimized dyes are safe,relatively permanent, and non-absorbing into the dermal tissue. Theindividual dye fluorescence intensity measurements are made using anultraviolet or visible light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode for anexcitation source. The emission detector (i.e., the sensor) collects thelight from the emission of the dye signal within the skin. In mostembodiments, the sensor device also calculates the ratio of reporter dyefluorescent (following a predetermined lag time as lagt) to the markerdye fluorescence (following the same lag period lagt). A linearunivariate computational formula for calibrating such an analyzer forblood glucose is given in equation (1) as:

$\begin{matrix}{\left\lbrack {Glucose}_{Blood} \right\rbrack = {{k_{1} \times \frac{{Reporter}\mspace{14mu} {Fluorescence}_{lagt}}{{Marker}\mspace{14mu} {Fluorescence}_{lagt}}} + k_{o}}} & (1)\end{matrix}$

where k₁ is the regression coefficient (slope for the line) describing achange in fluorescence for the Reporter to Marker ratio versus glucoseconcentration in the blood, and k₀ is the calibration line intercept.Additionally, a change in glucose concentration over a time intervalfrom T₁ to T₂ involves the relationship given in equation (2) as:

$\begin{matrix}{{\Delta \;\left\lbrack {Glucose}_{Blood} \right\rbrack} = {{k_{1} \times \frac{{Reporter}\mspace{14mu} {{Fluorescence}_{lagt}\left( {T_{2} - T_{1}} \right)}}{{Marker}\mspace{14mu} {{Fluorescence}_{lagt}\left( {T_{2} - {T\; 1}} \right)}}} + k_{o}}} & (2)\end{matrix}$

where Δ[Glucose_(Blood)] represents the change in blood glucoseconcentration and the terms (T₂−T₁) represent the change in reporter ormarker dye fluorescence over the time interval,

The dyes described within this invention may also exhibit anexponential, logarithmic, power, or other non-linear relationshipbetween fluorescence intensity and glucose concentration such that thecomputational formula for calibrating such an analyzer for blood glucoseusing an exponential relationship is given in equation (3) as:

[Glucose_(Blood) ]=k ₀ e ^(k) ₁ ^(R)  (3)

where R is the ratio of Reporter Fluorescence_(lagt) to MarkerFluorescence_(lagt).

The computational formula for calibrating such an analyzer for bloodglucose using a logarithmic relationship is given in equation (4) as:

[Glucose_(blood) ]=k ₀ +k ₁ In R  (4)

where R is the ratio of Reporter Fluorescence_(lagt) to MarkerFluorescence_(lagt).

The computational formula for calibrating such an analyzer for bloodglucose using a power relationship is given in equation (5) as:

[Glucose_(blood) ]=k ₀ x ^(k) ₁  (5)

where R is the ratio of Reporter Fluorescence_(lagt) to MarkerFluorescence_(lagt).

R can represent the intensity at either a measure wavelength referencedto a baseline wavelength, or as described above as the ratio of ReporterFluorescence_(lagt) to Marker Fluorescence_(lagt).

Specific methods and compositions of the invention relate to themeasurement of glucose using the mitochondrial membrane potential as themetabolic marker. However, as described in Scheme 1 (FIG. 17A), otherpathways may also be used to make this measurement and/or to giveadditional or validation information about the measurement. As notedabove, the invention also provides compositions and methods formonitoring and calibrating concentrations of metabolites and smallmolecules other than glucose.

Example 2 Relating Fluorescence of Energy Transfer to a Reporter Dye toD-Glucose Concentration

SMMRs can also be used to report the metabolic state of cells, by usingsuch dyes to monitor NAD(P)H concentration. NAD(P)H can be excited atwavelengths of 340 to 360 nm. Over this wavelength range, the molarabsorption coefficient of SMMRs such as Rh123 is low (Rh123∈<500 L·M⁻¹cm⁻¹ from 345 nm to 425 nm compared with 6.3×10³ L·M⁻¹ cm⁻¹ for NADH.(NADH and NAD(P)H are indistinguishable by their absorption or emissionspectra.) Excitation at 350 nm of tissue that has been incubated withRh123 shows a distinct fluorescence signal at 530 nm. This fluorescencearises because of collisional energy transfer from NAD(P)H to the Rh123.Under conditions where the energy transfer is efficient this processleads to an enhancement of the sensitivity with which NAD(P)H can bedetected, shown in equation (6) as:

The excited state of Rh123 (Rh-123*) relaxes to the ground state byfluorescence with almost unit efficiency. As a result, the sensitivityof the fluorescence technique to monitor NAD(P)H is increased by atleast an order of magnitude or more over autofluorescence. One skilledin the art of photochemistry can easily identify similar conjugatedmolecules to be used for collisional energy transfer reporting forreducing equivalent molecules, including predominantly NAD(P)H and FADH.

Example 3 Relating Fluorescence of Membrane Localizing Reporter Dyes toD-Glucose Concentration

Membrane localizing dyes are used to detect activity of membrane boundproteins. Dyes such as diphenylhexatriene have been used in the past tomonitor membrane fluidity. However many dyes may be used to monitormembrane activity by energy transfer mechanisms. Dyes that are useful inthis role include molecules that have lower singlet energy levels thanamino acid residues such as tryptophan, that is, they absorb light atlonger wavelengths than 320 nm. Suitable dyes include, but are notlimited to xanthenes, cyanines as well as diphenyl hexatriene and itsderivatives. The efficiency of energy transfer is determined by theseparation of the donor and acceptor pair and is given by the expressionin equation (7):

$\begin{matrix}{E = \frac{R_{o}^{6}}{R_{o}^{6} + r^{6}}} & (7)\end{matrix}$

where E is the efficiency, R_(o) is the Förster radius and r is thedonor acceptor separation. The Förster radius is defined as the donoracceptor separation that gives an energy transfer efficiency of 50% andis dependent on the donor and acceptor used. This mechanism isparticularly useful for proteins that physically move during activitysuch as glucose transporter (GluT) proteins. The distance betweenexcited state amino acid residues and an acceptor molecule, usuallylocated in the membrane, will change as the protein carries out itsfunction and hence the efficiency with which the acceptor fluoresceswill vary with the activity of the protein. GluT undergoesconformational changes as it transports glucose across the membrane.Excitation of tryptophan residues in a GluT molecule leads to energytransfer to the membrane bound acceptor and the overall fluorescence isthen dependent on the concentration of glucose transported across themembrane.

Example 4 Relating Fluorescence of pH Indicating Reporter Dyes toD-Glucose Concentration

Determination of the cytosolic intracellular pH relates the ratio of thecytosolic NAD/NADH ratio to the pyruvate/lactate ratio by the expressionas can be derived from textbook information such as that provided by L.Stryer, Biochemistry, W.H. Freeman and Co., New York, 1988 (3^(rd) Ed.),pp. 363-364, Chapter 18. An example calculation of intracellular pH isgiven in equation (8):

$\begin{matrix}{\frac{\lbrack{NAD}\rbrack_{cyt}}{\lbrack{NADH}\rbrack_{cyt}} \propto \frac{\lbrack{pyruvate}\rbrack \times 10^{- {pH}}}{\lbrack{lactate}\rbrack}} & (8)\end{matrix}$

The measurement of pH as a direct indicator of lactate/H⁺ concentrationin skin yields direct information on skin and blood glucoseconcentrations. The parameter of pH as −log₁₀[H⁺] can be measured usingcalibrated pH sensitive dyes or with a variety of known microprobeelectrodes specifically designed for pH determination. One embodimentinvolves a series of techniques that allow the placement of aspecialized “tattoo”, or more precisely the “active viewing window”comprised of one of a choice of specific pH indicating SMMRs, into theepidermis using methods including, but not limited to, electroporation,direct application by painting with specific transporter solventmixtures, tattooing methodologies, laser poration, sonic poration,iontophoresis, mechanical-poration, solvent transport, wicking,microneedle, pressurized delivery or by an equivalent active or passiveapplication technique.

In another embodiment of the SMMR application techniques a smalldisposable polymer patch containing an SMMR dispersed into a transfergel is applied to the skin using a pre-specified protocol.

Another embodiment is to have a small dispenser with a specialized tipfor placing a measured dose of the SMMR, with or without a solventmixture, onto the skin. The molecular tag or SMMR is allowed topenetrate the skin for some period of time to allow activation (from 1minute to 3 hours, depending upon the mixture used). Once activated, theresponse of the skin cells to glucose is monitored directly using anoptical reader on the SMMR-treated viewing window. The optical readercalculates the skin fluorescence response to glucose, applies firstprinciples mathematical models to the response, and provides adetermination of the blood glucose levels.

These concepts and results are demonstrated in FIGS. 1-9, especially inFIGS. 3-5, 8, 9. A quality value may be simultaneously calculated in theoptical reader/sensor telling the user the quality of the glucose valuereported. Based on this quality value, the user may be instructed tomake one or more additional measurements until the quality value isindicative of an accurate result.

These features provide a technique for establishing the dose-responserelationship for tracking glucose. See, e.g., FIGS. 3, 8, 9. SpecificSMMRs to be used have demonstrated properties of beingpH:lactate/H⁺-indicating SMMRs that respond in a direct linear,exponential, or sigmoid relationship to intracellular glucoseconcentration. An increase in intracellular glucose causes a directincrease in intracellular lactate/H⁺ via glycolysis, thereby decreasingthe intracellular pH in real-time by a stoichiometric inverseproportionality, relative to the increase in glucose concentration. Thevisible light response of these SMMRs is such that a diffuse reflectionor fluorescent emission spectrum or signal obtained after excitation atone or more optimum wavelength(s), e.g., between 300 nm and 750 nm, andmore preferably at least 450 nm, is directly correlated to the quantityof glucose available to fuel metabolic (glycolytic) activity and isunaffected by cellular metabolic rate. Therefore the absorption/diffusereflection or fluorescence spectrum measured is in direct proportion tothe intracellular glucose concentration. The reaction velocityassumption set for quantitative analysis of metabolites, including pH,is described above.

When the SMMR is comprised of a mixture including a fluorescentindicator dye, then fluorescence spectroscopy may be used to determinethe pH/lactate/H⁺ in the microenvironment of the cell. Once the tattooor SMMR mark is produced, these methods and compositions can be used forin vivo noninvasive determination of the rate of glucose utilization,whether occurring by glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation (i.e., theKreb's cycle), or a combination of these metabolic processes. In thecase of mammalian or human keratinocytes, anaerobic glycolysis is thepathway defined using this technique. The determination of glucose isaccurate for living mammal or human epidermal cells as long as the SMMRremains within the area of the stratum spinosum. SMMRs meeting therequirements for this embodiment include but are not limited tophenolphthalein, which is useful for absorption measurements of pH.Fluorescent SMMRs include but are not limited to molecules that arexanthene dyes, especially2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein, (BCECF), andother standard pH indicating fluorescent dyes available from, e.g.,Aldrich, Sigma, Molecular Probes, and other manufacturers.Alternatively, as the structures are known, those skilled in the art maybe able to synthesize these materials.

Other SMMRs meeting these requirements include BCECF, which can be usedat 439 nm and 490 nm excitation. pH is calculated from the emissiondetected at 520 nm. Measurements may also be made of the lifetime ofBCECF, and such measurements have been made in the stratum corneum. See,e.g., Hanson, K. M., et al., Two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging ofthe skin stratum corneum pH gradient. Biophysical Journal, Vol. 83, pp.1682-1690. An alternative molecule is benzenedicarboxylic acid, 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]-(SNARF-1) using514 nm excitation and fluorescence detection at 640 nm and 587 nm,respectively. The fluorescence ratio at these emission wavelengthsallows the determination of the ratio of the protonated and unprotonatedforms of the dye. This ratio allows the determination of the pH of thedye environment using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation (9).

$\begin{matrix}{{pH} = {{pKa} - {\log \frac{HA}{A^{-}}}}} & (9)\end{matrix}$

As an illustrative example, for BCECF this relationship becomes equation(10):

$\begin{matrix}{{pH} = {{pK}_{a} + {\log \left( \frac{\left( {F_{490}/F_{439}} \right) - \left( {F_{490}^{a}/F_{439}^{a}} \right)}{\left( {F_{490}^{b}/F_{439}^{b}} \right) - \left( {F_{490}/F_{439}} \right)} \right)}}} & (10)\end{matrix}$

In this expression the fluorescence is monitored at a wavelength of 535nm, the terms F₄₉₀ and F₄₃₉ refer to the fluorescence intensitymonitored at excitation wavelengths of 490 nm and 439 nm respectivelyand the terms with superscripts a and b represent the limiting values ofthe fluorescence ratio in acid (a) and base (b) respectively.

Use of the dye to measure absolute values of pH requires a smallcorrection of the fluorescence ratio since the two fluorescence emissionbands are not completely separated.

A difference comparison of both intracellular and extracellular pHmeasurements allows measurements to be made of lactate synthesis,transport and diffusion out of the interstitial fluid. The differencebetween intracellular and extracellular pH is indicative of the hydrogenion produced within the cell (due to glycolysis) and those hydrogen ionsthat are produced systemically.

Estimation of the Effect of Glucose Metabolism on Changes inIntracellular pH

Numerous prior studies measured intracellular pH in a variety oforganisms and cell types. See, e.g., Roos, A. and Boron, W. F. (1981)Intracellular pH. Physiological Reviews, vol. 61, pp. 297-434. Ofinterest are experiments that examine the effect of weak acids and baseson the pH of cell extracts and homogenates. Using a simple equation (11)from Michaelis to describe the buffering capacity of a solution, thephysicochemical buffering of these samples can be expressed as“intracellular buffering power” as follows:

$\begin{matrix}{\beta = \frac{\left( {A\mspace{14mu} {or}\mspace{14mu} B} \right)}{{pH}}} & (11)\end{matrix}$

β: total buffering power of intracellular fluid

A: amount of added acid

B: amount of added base

See, e.g., Roos and Boron, 1981, pp. 389-400.

The intracellular buffering power of different tissues and cell typesare summarized in Roos and Boron (1981), supra, Table 13, at p. 399.Table 1 (below) uses equation (11) and the intracellular buffering powerof rat tissues to calculate the potential effect of 5 mM glucose(undergoing glycolysis) on intracellular pH. These calculations arebased on studies reporting that a net of two protons (two lactate) areproduced for every molecule of glucose that is metabolized. See e.g.,Busa, W. B. and Nuccitelli, R. (1984) Am. J. Physiol., vol. 246,R409-R438; and Robergs, R. (2001), Professionalization of ExercisePhysiology-Online. vol. 4, no. 11. Thus, by deriving this informationfor a specific cell type and for the conditions of an individualsubject, the glucose available to a cell for glycolysis can becalculated from the measured pH.

TABLE 1 Buffering pH change Tissue Power (5 mM glucose or 10 mM H⁺) RatBrain (whole) 18.5 −0.54 Rat Diaphragm Muscle 67 −0.15 Rat SkeletalMuscle 66-68 −0.15 to −0.16 Rat Cardiac Muscle 51 −0.19 Rat VentricularMuscle 77 −0.13

Measurement Protocol

The rationale for making measurements of D-glucose and other simplesugars using pH (i.e., lactate/H⁺) sensitive intracellular dyes isdescribed. The specific rationale is based upon the concept thatglycolytic mechanisms may be monitored via metabolite concentration togive an estimation of the total D-glucose available to the cell (Scheme1, FIG. 17A). In this embodiment of the invention, the fluorescence of apH-sensitive dye is used to determine blood glucose concentrations. Thismeasurement is possible because for every glucose molecule undergoingglycolysis, two lactate/H⁺ molecules result. Thus, depending upon thebuffering capacity for any specialized cell types, the pH is indicativeof the quantity of glucose available. During glycolysis, the glucose isimmediately converted to lactate.

In most embodiments, two steps are required for the glucose measurement.The measurements to be made are the intensity of fluorescence at about580 nm and 640 nm with 532 nm excitation. The bandwidth of thesemeasurements is typically 10 nm wide. Intracellular pH is monitoredusing an intracellular dye that is equivalent or superior in efficacy toSNARF 5 AM; i.e., extracellular pH is monitored using an extracellulardye equivalent or superior in efficacy to SNARF 5 (SNARF®-5F5-(and-6)-carboxylic acid). The dyes are typically applied in twodifferent places. A third spot is applied using an intracellular dyeequivalent or superior in efficacy to SNARF 5 AM to be used to determinethe spectra of the acidic and basic forms of the dye. All dyes areapplied in a 10 μL volume having a final concentration of 200 μM.

The protocol used for application of the dye requires that a skintemperature between 30° C. and 37° C. be maintained. The area of skin tobe measured is rinsed with approximately 1 mL of distilled water andwiped dry with an uncoated tissue or Kimwipe. It is preferable to wipethe area clean with a clinical alcohol wipe. Once a clean area of skinhas been prepared, 10 μL of dye is applied to the skin with an automaticdispenser or pipette. The dye spots are protected from room light andall manipulations are carried out under dimmed room light. After onehour, any dye that remains on the surface of the skin is blotted offwith a Kimwipe. The uptake of dye was monitored using a two-photonmicroscope and by measuring spectra after the dye is applied. It wasdetermined by observation that measurement should begin three hoursfollowing application of the SMMR.

To test the efficacy of the sensor measurement during the measurementperiod, sensor readings were recorded every time a blood sample waswithdrawn for reference measurements. The test measurement was designedso that the autofluorescence, and the fluorescence from SMMRs located inthe intra and extracellular spaces can be acquired ideally at the sametime. The only way to do this at present is to move the sensor todifferent sites between measurements. However, other methods may be usedas they become available to provide equivalent information.

Reference blood samples drawn were analyzed for blood glucose, lactateand hematocrit. Spectra were acquired from the skin, to obtainautofluorescence, from the spot where an extracellular dye equivalent orsuperior in efficacy to SNARF 5 was applied to obtain the extracellularpH, and from the spot where an intracellular dye equivalent or superiorin efficacy to SNARF 5 AM form (available from Molecular Probes, Inc.Eugene, Oreg.) was applied to obtain the intracellular pH. Finally, acidand base were applied to the control spot to obtain the spectra from thefully protonated and fully deprotonated dyes.

For normal prandial studies, this measurement protocol lead to a smallerrange of glucose values than those obtained using clamp studies.Typically, fasted mammals have a blood glucose concentration of anywherebetween 50 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL, whereas fed mammals have a glucoseconcentration range of 100 mg/dL to 150 mg/dL.

The data were analyzed according to equation (12):

$\begin{matrix}{{pH} = {{pK}_{A} + {\log \left\lbrack {\frac{R - R_{B}}{R_{A} - R} \times \frac{F_{B{({\lambda \; 2})}}}{F_{A{({\lambda \; 2})}}}} \right\rbrack}}} & (12)\end{matrix}$

where R is the ratio of the fluorescence intensity at 580 nm and 640 nm,R_(B) is the same ratio when the dye has been made alkaline and R_(A) iswhen the dye has been acidified. The terms F_(A) and F_(B) are theintensity measurements at 640 nm in acid and base respectively.

Equation (12) is a modified version of the Henderson-Hasselback equationthat describes the fraction of molecules that are protonated in anacid-base system at a certain pH. The term in parentheses is inverselyproportional to the hydrogen ion concentration. The ability to relateglucose concentration to pH is based on the stoichiometry of glycolysis.For every equivalent of glucose that is metabolized, two equivalents ofhydrogen ions are generated. pH is simply the negative log of thehydrogen ion concentration.

The fluorescence ratio values were obtained after the intensity of theautofluorescence has been subtracted. Although this expression actuallygives the pH value in these measurements, it should be realized that theglucose concentration is only a function of the pH. If the oxidation ofglucose results in the formation of hydrogen ions then it is thecorrected fluorescence ratio that is important in the determination ofglucose concentration. As far as the influence of external pH, it ishypothesized that the changes in intracellular pH are dependent on thedifference between intracellular and extracellular pH. The basis forthis assumption is that the monocarboxylate transporter is a facilitateddiffusion pump. As a result, hydrogen ions can be pumped out if theexternal pH is high compared to the intracellular pH. It is moredifficult to pump hydrogen ions out if the pH is low.

Example 5 Empirical Calibration Scheme General Case

An empirical correction scheme for obtaining quantitative fluorescencespectra from molecules embedded within the skin of individual humansubjects is required due to the unique scattering and absorptiveproperties of individuals. The effects on fluorescent spectra broughtabout by these individualistic optical properties include changes inbandshape and relative fluorescence intensity. A general equation (13)for obtaining quantitative fluorescence calibration spectra, which willaccommodate for unique tissue matrix effects, is written as:

C ^ i = ( - B )  c 1 - c 2 ( f 1 - B ) - ( f 2 - B ) ( 13 )

where Ĉ_(i) is the estimated concentration for a test sample I; ℑ is thefluorescence response of the test sample I; ℑ_(B) is the fluorescenceresponse of the test sample site with solvent treatment only; f₁ is thefluorescence response of the sample site at concentration c₁ (aconcentration higher than the expected concentration of the test sampleI); f₂ is the fluorescence response of the sample site at concentrationc₂ (a concentration lower than the expected concentration of the testsample I). See, e.g., Harrison, G. R., Lord, R. C., and Loofbourow, J.R. Practical Spectroscopy, Prentice-Hall, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1948,pp. 412-414.

Example 6 Empirical Calibration Scheme Special Case of Lactate/H+: pHMeasurements

Specifically for the case involving quantitative determination oflactate/H⁺ using intracellular or extracellular pH measurements, onewould work with hydrogen ion concentration directly as [H⁺]. In the casewhere an indicator dye exhibits a fluorescence response due to a changein [H⁺] following the relationship as shown in equation (14):

$\begin{matrix}{\left\lbrack H^{+} \right\rbrack = {{k_{a}\left( \frac{\frac{f\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f\left( \lambda_{2} \right)} - \frac{f_{B}\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f_{B}\left( \lambda_{2} \right)}}{\frac{f_{A}\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f_{A}\left( \lambda_{2} \right)} - \frac{f\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f\left( \lambda_{2} \right)}} \right)} \cdot \left( \frac{f_{B}\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f_{A}\left( \lambda_{2} \right)} \right)}} & (14)\end{matrix}$

where f(λ_(i)) is the fluorescence measurement at wavelength i and thesubscripts A and B represent the respective acidic and basic endpointsusing a titrimetric approach. See, e.g., Molecular Probes ProductInformation Sheet #MP 01270, SNARF pH Indicators, Molecular Probes,Eugene, Oreg., Oct. 22, 2002). This relationship, shown in equation(15), holds noting that background correction is applied to eachfluorescent signal prior to ratio calculation. If λ₂ is selected as theisosbestic point, then the relationship below holds. For a dye such asSNARF-1: λ₁=580 nm, λ₂=640 nm, and λ_(EX)=514 nm, λ_(Isosbestic)=608 nm.

$\begin{matrix}{\left\lbrack H^{+} \right\rbrack = {k_{a}\left( \frac{\frac{f\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f\left( \lambda_{2} \right)} - \frac{f_{B}\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f_{B}\left( \lambda_{2} \right)}}{\frac{f_{A}\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f_{A}\left( \lambda_{2} \right)} - \frac{f\left( \lambda_{1} \right)}{f\left( \lambda_{2} \right)}} \right)}} & (15)\end{matrix}$

Then the corrected equation 13 for measurement of hydrogen ionconcentration accounting for matrix effects should be as equation (16):

[ H ^ + ] i = ( - B )  [ H + ] 1 - [ H + ] 2 ( f 1 - B ) - ( f 2 - B )( 16 )

where [Ĥ⁺] is the estimated concentration for a test sample i; ℑ is thefluorescence response of the test sample i; ℑ_(B) is the fluorescenceresponse of the test sample site with solvent treatment only; f₁ is thefluorescence response of the sample site at concentration [Ĥ⁺]₁ (aconcentration higher than the expected concentration of the test samplei); f₂ is the fluorescence response of the sample site at concentration[Ĥ]₂ (a concentration lower than the expected concentration of the testsample i).

Example 7 Use of External Calibration Standards for General Case

The use of external calibration standards (i.e., standard addition) isessential in providing a bloodless method for calibrating in vivomeasurements. In theory, a set of two or more calibration standardscomprised of known concentrations of analytes (e.g., glucose) can beexternally added to tissue and delivered to the specific analysis targetsite(s). Such a practice does not rely on a purely theoretical approachdependent on some fixed assumption set. Thus a more broadly applicablemethod would involve reliance on an empirical measurement approach. Suchan approach must be applied across idiosyncratic physiologicalproperties of specific tissue sites including: perfusion rate,interstitial fluid volume, rates of diffusion into and out of thetissue, glucose transport, and the like. Such phenomena can beillustrated generally as in Scheme 4 (FIG. 17D) illustrating fluidissues related to in vivo skin calibration.

As an example, an in vitro experiment using such standard addition canbe reviewed. The experiment is to determine the final concentration of acuvet initially containing a liquid of 100 volume units (Vi) and aconcentration of 100 w/v (Ci). In this case, neither the initial volumenor the initial concentration is known. To begin, a known Standardliquid (A1) is added to the cuvet having a volume of 100 volume units(Va1) and a concentration of 0.0 w/v (Ca1). A fluorescence measurementis made of the solution plus Standard A1 and the result recorded as ℑa1.The final concentration of the cuvet at this point may be determinedusing the general equation (17):

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{C_{f_{a\; 1}} = \frac{\left( {C_{i} \cdot V_{i}} \right) + \left( {C_{a\; 1} \cdot V_{a\; 1}} \right)}{V_{i} + V_{a\; 1}}} \\{= \frac{\left( {100 \cdot 100} \right) + \left( {0.0 + 100} \right)}{100 + 100}} \\{= {50\frac{w}{v}}}\end{matrix} & (17)\end{matrix}$

A second Standard liquid (A2) is then added to the cuvet having a volumeof 100 volume units (Va2) and a concentration of 500 w/v (Ca2). Afluorescence measurement is made of the solution plus Standard A2 andthe result recorded as ℑa2. Following the addition of Standard A2 thecuvet now contains a concentration calculated using equation (18):

$\begin{matrix}\begin{matrix}{C_{f_{a\; 2}} = \frac{\left( {C_{i} \cdot V_{i}} \right) + \left( {C_{a\; 2} \cdot V_{a\; 2}} \right)}{V_{i} + V_{a\; 2}}} \\{= \frac{\left( {50 \cdot 200} \right) + \left( {500 \cdot 100} \right)}{200 + 100}} \\{= {200\frac{w}{v}}}\end{matrix} & (18)\end{matrix}$

If a fluorescence method has been developed capable of measuring theconcentration of analyte defined as a linear relationship over aconcentration range of between 50 and 400 w/v (see Table 2), thenequation (19) holds as:

a   2 a   1 = C f a   2 C f a   1 ( 19 )

Thus a ratio measurement of ℑa2 and ℑa1 yields a value of 200/50=4.0 andprovides sufficient information to compute absolute concentration of theinitial fluid as well as the final fluid levels. The examples belowconsider two examples of the in vivo case.

Example 8

Equivalent volumes of Standards A1 and A2 are added to the tissue asvolumes Va1 and Va2; these volumes approximate the current interstitialvolume. The concentration of the added Standards A1 and A2 are 0.0 w/v(Ca1) and 300 w/v (Ca2). The interstitial volumes are assumed to remainapproximately the same as the liquid from the Standards mix with theinterstitial fluid, i.e., after a period, there is a mixing of liquidscausing an equilibrium of the analyte levels, but no overallinterstitial fluid volume change. The equivalent relationships can becalculated for any set of assumptions. Since in this case the equivalentvolume assumption is made then equation (20) holds:

$\begin{matrix}{C_{f_{a\; i}} = \frac{\left( {C_{i} \cdot V_{i}} \right) + \left( {C_{a\; i} \cdot V_{a\; i}} \right)}{V_{i} + V_{ai}}} & (20)\end{matrix}$

Equation (20) reduces to a simple relationship where the volumes Vi, Va1and Va2 are equivalent and there is assumed diffusion of the analytefrom the Standards to the interstitial fluid equilibrating theconcentration given sufficient time. Thus, equation (21) is used:

$\begin{matrix}{C_{f_{a\; 1}} = \frac{C_{i} + C_{ai}}{2}} & (21)\end{matrix}$

This scenario takes into consideration that the addition of the firstStandard A1 at 0.0 w/v concentration reduces the concentration; and thenthe second Standard A2 at 300 w/v concentration is added. As such thefollowing Table 2 holds.

TABLE 2 Application of Standards A1 and A2 as 100 unit volume and 0.0w/v and 300 w/v concentration. Initial Volume (Vi) Initial Conc. (Ci)C_(f) _(a1) C_(f) _(a2) C f a   2 C f a   1 = 100 units 50 25 162.56.5 100 units 100 50 175 3.5 100 units 150 75 187.5 2.5 100 units 200100 200 2.0 100 units 250 125 212.5 1.7 100 units 300 150 225 1.5 100units 350 175 237.5 1.36 100 units 400 200 250 1.25

Example 9

Equivalent volumes of Standards A1 and A2 are added to the tissue asvolumes Va1 and Va2; these volumes approximate the current interstitialvolume. The concentration of the added Standards A1 and A2 are 0.0 w/v(Ca1) and 400 w/v (Ca2). As in Example 8, the interstitial volumes areassumed to remain approximately the same as the liquid from theStandards mix with the interstitial fluid, i.e., there is a mixing ofliquids causing an equilibrium of the analyte levels, but no overallinterstitial fluid volume change. Since this assumption is made, thenequations 20 and 21 are used.

This scenario takes into consideration that the addition of the firstStandard A1 at 0.0 w/v concentration reduces the concentration; and thenthe second Standard A2 at 400 w/v concentration is added. As such thefollowing Table 3 holds as.

TABLE 3 For the application of Standards A1 and A2 as 100 unit volumeand 0.0 w/v and 400 w/v concentration. Initial Volume (Vi) Initial Conc.(Ci) C_(f) _(a1) C_(f) _(a2) C f a   2 C f a   1 = 100 units 50 25212.5 8.5 100 units 100 50 225 4.5 100 units 150 75 237.5 3.17 100 units200 100 250 2.5 100 units 250 125 262.5 2.1 100 units 300 150 275 1.83100 units 350 175 287.5 1.64 100 units 400 200 300 1.5

Example 10 Screening and Optimizing Organic Dyes for SMMR Activity

In some embodiments of the invention, a dye is added into a tissue withan anticipated SMMR-response activity, and spectra are collected for aset of predetermined excitation and emission wavelengths. The excitationwavelength set selected corresponds to the maximum absorption spectrumof the dye being used. The optimal measurement wavelength for excitationand emission is then determined empirically for each SMMR applicationsuch that the selected excitation wavelength results in a combinedeffect where maximum emission intensity and response is achieved foreach metabolite of interest. Metabolites useful for tracking glucosewere derived from an understanding of the glycolytic pathway for thecells of interest and an understanding of which dyes may actually behaveas SMMRs for quantitative reporting of these metabolites. By selectingthe optimum wavelengths for SMMR measurement in an empirical fashion,the precise method for quantitative detection of each metabolite wasachieved, thereby yielding maximum analytical selectivity,repeatability, and reproducibility.

Empirical Procedure for the Development of Calibration Protocols

The following procedure can be used to develop the calibration protocolfor a blood glucose analysis method combining. SMMRs with a low-cost,handheld sensor: (1) the glucose (or another blood or tissue analyte) ismeasured for the test subject (or series of test subjects) bywithdrawing blood from a subject and by analysis via a reference bloodglucose measurement (the glucose may be intentionally varied within thetest subject for the test evaluation period); (2) the metabolic reportersignal and a marker (or reference) wavelength signal are measured at atime-stamped interval corresponding to the blood glucose referencemeasurement (this is completed for a series of excitation and emissionwavelengths); (3) the ratio of the metabolic reporter and reference ormarker wavelengths is calculated for each set of excitation and emissionwavelengths; (4) the series of ratio measurements of thereporter/reference is compared to the reference blood glucosemeasurements; (5) the optimum wavelength sets are derived and theabsolute ratios determined that best correspond to specific bloodglucose levels, taking into account the lag times and best mathematicalmodel; (6) a small handheld device is provided, preferably where thedevice has the capability to measure the signal at the optimizedspecific wavelengths using exact excitation sources and emissiondetection schemes (with defined intensity and bandshapecharacteristics); (7) the ratio measurements of the device when coupledwith specific SMMRs produces a metabolite profile that is used todirectly predict blood glucose concentration using algorithms describedherein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that when the metabolicpathways for multiple biosyntheses are defined, that this empiricaltesting method can be used to screen multiple dyes for their efficacy asSMMRs for a variety of metabolic measurements. Thus, without muchknowledge about specific pharma-kinetic activity or dyes, a series ofcompounds can be screened and optimized for SMMR activity.

Ideally, all dye candidates to be tested for SMMR activity in humans arefirst screened properly to ensure safety.

Example 11 Factors Affecting the Molecular Structure and Action ofOrganic Dyes Suitable for Use as SMMRs

Molecular Design

There are six main characteristics of a dye molecule that determine itsefficacy as an SMMR according to the methods and devices of theinvention. These include: (1) its affinity and specificity for targetcells and cell structures; (2) its binding properties and residence timein skin; (3) its safety to cells and organisms; (4) its speed ofdelivery; (5) its specificity for the metabolite of interest; and (6)its spectral properties. Properties that control the affinity andspecificity for target cells and cell structures for SMMR molecules intoskin cells include:

-   1. The partition coefficient in octanol/water together with the    solubility in aqueous solution, which determines how the molecule is    distributed between the aqueous and lipid phases in the tissue;-   2. The charge, which affects electrostatic interactions of the    compound;-   3. The vapor pressure at 25° C., which determines the evaporation    rate at the skin surface;-   4. The molecular size, which controls the diffusion of the material    through a porous interface or a viscous liquid.

Factors affecting the functionality of the molecule include thereactivity and reduction potential of the molecule, the pKa and theenergy level of the first excited state.

Spectral properties that are important for SMMRs include the absorptionspectrum of the chromophore, the fluorescence spectrum and the emissionquantum yield. Properties that moderate the absorption characteristicsinclude the degree of conjugation in the molecule, the number ofelectrons in the conjugated system and the electro-negativities ofsubstituents attached to the molecule. Factors that affect thefluorescence emission spectrum are similar to those that affect theabsorption spectrum. The fluorescence quantum yield, which determinesthe intensity of the fluorescence, is influenced by the flexibility ofthe molecule and the intramolecular reactivity.

An example of how a xanthene dye may be modified to act as a longwavelength pH sensitive dye for specific action as a lactate/H⁺ SMMR isdescribed herein. One possible structure is shown in Scheme 3 (FIG.17C). As shown in FIG. 17C, the xanthene ring is substituted with heteroatoms (A) that extend the conjugation of the molecule across the fusedring system. Electron density in the ring system is increased by thelone pair of electrons on the heteroatom that are partly delocalizedinto the ring system. Typical groups at these positions would include anamine and an amide, such as rhodamine.

The pKa of the molecule is controlled by the substitution of acidic andbasic groups (B) and the nature of the heteroatoms (A). Small changes tothe pKa may be made by substitution of electron donating or withdrawinggroups to the ring (D). The quantum yield of fluorescence (φ_(F)) andhence the intensity of the fluorescence is determined by the balancebetween the rate constants for radiative (k_(r)) and non-radiative(k_(nr)) decay as shown in equation (22):

$\begin{matrix}{\varphi_{F} = \frac{k_{r}}{\left( {k_{r} + k_{nr}} \right)}} & (22)\end{matrix}$

The radiative rate constant is determined by the probability of atransition whereas the non-radiative rate constant is affected by thenumber of modes of vibration that a molecule has and any intramolecularreactivity that can quench the excited state.

The absorption spectrum of the molecule is determined by the extent ofthe conjugation as well as substitution on the ring (C). Substitution ofboth electron withdrawing and electron donating groups in a push-pulltype of system extends the overall conjugation of the system and causesa bathochromic shift (to longer wavelengths) of the spectrum. A numberof empirical rules have been put forward to predict spectra. Thewell-known Woodward rules, for example, predict that for a simpleconjugated system the addition of a double bond adds about 30 nm to thewavelength maximum.

The polarity of the molecule can be altered, without grossly affectingother properties of the molecule, by substitution of non-conjugatedgroups to the ring system (E). Many xanthene dyes are synthesized with asubstituted phenyl ring at R₂. It is by specific modification of thisdye and the measurement of its fluorescence signature that allows thedye to function as an SMMR to relate lactate/H⁺ to D-glucoseconcentration (as noted in FIGS. 1-17).

Example 12 Use of Glycogen Particle Density

The measurement of glycogen particle numbers indicates a directproportionality to the amount of glucose in the metabolic pathway of thecell (for an individual metabolic rate). As Scheme 2 (FIG. 17B)illustrates, a measurement of glycogen synthesis provides an indicatorof glucose concentration because the only biochemical route to glycogenis directly from glucose. The use of iodine-based SMMRs within the skincan be measured using an optical reader as a direct indicator ofglycogen particle concentration in the skin. Skin glycogen concentrationcan be related to skin glucose levels, which in turn are mathematicallyrelated to blood glucose levels. Thus, skin glycogen concentrationyields direct information on skin and blood glucose concentrations. Theparameter of glycogen particles can be measured using a variety of knowntechniques. Glycogen particles are known to have a mean particle sizediameter of approximately 30 nanometers (nm). Thus, an ideal wavelengthfor characterizing the presence of these particles in anabsorptive-scattering media such as skin would be at 2.5 to 3.5 timesthe diameter or approximately 75 to 105 nm ultraviolet light. Thisinvention contemplates utilizing such a wavelength to characterize thenumber of glycogen particles within the skin, as well as utilizing otherpotential methodologies for measuring the particle density for glycogeninclude scattering measurements in the 290 nm to 750 nm spectralregions, and includes optical coherent tomography. Mathematicalmanipulations of the data derived from these techniques can providecorrelative information allowing prediction of glycogen particlenumbers.

In one specific embodiment, a series of techniques are described in theinvention which allow the placement of a specialized tattoo, comprisedof at least one of a choice of specific glycogen indicating SMMR, intothe epidermis for analysis of mitochondrial membrane potential and pHindicating signals. Measurement of glycogen particles, whichpreferentially absorb SMMR, is monitored directly using an opticalscattering reader. The optical reader calculates the total absorption ofthe SMMR into the glycogen particles. Once determined, the glycogencontent of the skin is empirically related (by first principlesmathematical models) to reference skin and blood glucose levels.Simultaneously, a quality value is calculated, which tells the user thequality of the glucose value reported. Based on this quality value, theuser may be instructed to make one or more additional measurements untilthe quality value is indicative of an accurate result.

Once the tattoo or mark is produced, this invention may be fullysufficient for in vivo noninvasive determination of the rate of glucoseutilization within living human epidermal cells as long as the SMMRremains within the stratum spinosum. SMMR meeting the requirements forthis embodiment are described above, and include, e.g., iodine dissolvedin potassium iodide. Iodine forms a blue-black complex with glycogen,the intensity of which is directly related to the number of particles ofglycogen present in the tissue. The visible response of these SMMR isthen related to blood glucose level by the relationship given inequation (23):

$\begin{matrix}{\lbrack G\rbrack \propto \frac{\# \mspace{14mu} {glycogen}\mspace{14mu} {{particles}.} \times {{NAD}(P)}H}{{FAD} \times {NO} \times {pH} \times O_{2}}} & (23)\end{matrix}$

Equation (23) is based on measuring a cell function and normalizing thisfunction for the relative metabolic rate of the tissue. The number ofglycogen particles is directly related to the glucose concentration.This relationship will break down when metabolism is high and all theglycogen reserves have been utilized. The concentration of glycogenparticles can be obtained from measurements using optical coherenttomography, light scattering, or differential staining of glycogenparticles using iodine stains.

Example 13 An Example of a Targeted Pathway Mathematical ModelingApplications to Glucose Concentration

FIG. 23 is a proportionality-qualitative description of how theglycolytic pathway (e.g., glycolysis) relates to glucose concentrationin cellular metabolism. The quantitative description of these pathwaysis developed dependent upon accurate, selective, and responsivemeasurement parameters yielding indirect or direct information forglucose concentration. An example of the quantitative treatment forfluorescence changes associated with the activity of glucose oxidase isgiven in Equation (24).

Several examples of the mathematical models required for fitting thereported glucose to the measured blood glucose for this invention aregiven in Equations 1-5. The addition of glucose to a solution of glucoseoxidase causes an increase in fluorescence after a lag time. The lagperiod can be related to the concentration of the glucose oxidase, theoxygen concentration and the glucose concentration. Assuming that therate constant for the reoxidation of the reduced enzyme is significantlygreater than the binding and oxidation of glucose, and that theconcentration of the free oxidized enzyme is higher than that of otherforms before the time at which the fluorescence changes, then thefollowing expression in equation (24) has been derived.

$\begin{matrix}{{t_{m} - t_{0}} = {\frac{1}{{k_{1}\left\lbrack {GO}_{x} \right\rbrack}_{0}}{\ln \left( \frac{\lbrack G\rbrack_{0}}{\lbrack G\rbrack_{0} - {2\left\lbrack O_{2} \right\rbrack}_{0}} \right)}}} & (24)\end{matrix}$

where

t_(m) Time at which the fluorescence changes

t₀ Time at which glucose is introduced

k₁ Rate constant for the reduction of GO_(X) by glucose

[GO_(X)]₀ Initial concentration of glucose oxidase

[G]₀ Initial concentration of glucose

2[O₂]₀ Initial concentration of oxygen

See, e.g., Sierra J. F., Galban J., Castillo, J. R. “Determination ofGlucose in Blood Based on the Intrinsic Fluorescence of GlucoseOxidase.” Anal. Chem. 1997 69(8), 1471-1476).

Example 14 Other Monitoring Techniques and Metabolites Lactate Transport

Lactate transport is monitored by measuring intracellular andextracellular pH using fluorescent SMMRs, as previously described. Thexanthene dye BCECF has been used to monitor lactate transport in anumber of tissues (see e.g., Carpenter, L. and Halestrap, A. P. 1994Biochem. J. 304, 751-760). In the present invention this dye is used tomonitor both intracellular and extracellular pH. The extracellular pH ismonitored to measure variations in physiology within the body that areunrelated to glucose metabolism in the epidermis, but are related tometabolic pH changes in the body. The intracellular pH, as measured, isthen corrected using the value of the measured extracellular pH.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

Oxidative phosphorylation can be monitored by NADH fluorescence. Thisfluorescence is measured in the presence and absence of oxygen. Thesetwo measurements yield the rate of oxidative phosphorylation and ameasure of the overall metabolism of the cell. The rate of oxidativephosphorylation is dependent on the overall substrate availability tothe cell, which requires oxygen. In the absence of oxygen, the overallmetabolism is dependent on glycolysis alone.

The oxidative phosphorylation pathway for glucose is determined bymeasuring oxygen consumption along with the NADH/FAD fluorescence ratio.This ratio has been used in the past to determine the overall reductionpotential of the cell. The measurement of the oxygen consumption ratedetermines the rate of oxidative metabolism in the tissue. Thesensitivity of the NADH/FAD fluorescence ratio can be increased by theuse of an energy transfer or redox potential measuring dye to amplifyoverall signal intensity. An example of such a dye suitable for use asan SMMR is rhodamine 123, although other compounds containing conjugatedaromatic systems can also be used.

In a preferred embodiment, the amplifying SMMR molecule is positivelycharged at pH 7 and has a high quantum yield of fluorescence. In afurther embodiment, the SMMR molecule has little absorption in theregion where NADH absorbs. Excitation of NADH results in energy transferto the SMMR dye that then fluoresces with efficiency at least ten timesgreater than that of NADH alone.

Photobleaching

Photobleaching is a process that occurs with virtually all fluorescentdyes. The term is something of a misnomer since it literally means theloss of color as a result of irradiation by light. The loss of color isthe result of a photochemical reaction that results in a new chemicallydistinct compound being formed that does not exhibit the samefluorescence properties as the parent SMMR compound. This newphoto-degraded compound will have altered photophysics compared to theparent molecule but its properties are not necessarily loss of color.Photobleaching is a hindrance to continuous fluorescence-basedmonitoring and is exacerbated by the presence of oxygen, highconcentrations of reactive species and high light levels. For thispresent invention, SMMRs are used that have high quantum yields offluorescence (which implies that the main process for deactivation ofthe excited state is fluorescence), and they are excited with theminimum amount of excitation light. Photoreactivity is also reduced bythe low oxygen tension in the skin.

Differential Monitoring

The mechanism presented in Scheme 1 (FIG. 17A) for the measurement ofglucose requires that the majority of glucose be metabolized byglycolysis because oxidative phosphorylation may also utilize fatty acidmetabolites as substrates instead of glucose. Oxidative phosphorylationin skin comprises only ˜2% of metabolism and this fraction may becontrolled by reducing the oxygen available to the cells, althoughexperimental data suggests that there is little or no effect of oxygenconcentration on glycolysis. By performing a differential measurementwith and without oxygen, the fraction of glycolytic and oxidativemetabolism is determined.

Glycolysis

In tissues that undergoes primarily anaerobic metabolism (i.e.,glycolysis) the products of the glycolysis reaction pathway are lactateand adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is synthesized from ADP, thediphosphate analog, and a phosphate. Lactate is generated as a wasteproduct of the pathway. The lactate concentration within the cell isdependent on lactate transport out of the cell and on the rate ofglycolysis. The extracellular lactate concentration is dependent onlactate transport and diffusion of lactate into the blood stream. Theproduction of lactate correlates with the intracellular pH. The pH ofepidermal tissue, using intra- and extracellular pH sensitive SMMRs, canbe used to specifically relate intracellular pH changes to glucoseutilization via glycolysis. The use of NMR techniques using phosphorous(³¹P) and proton (¹H) probes allows the measurement of ATP, phosphate,pH and lactate simultaneously. This technique alone can be used todetermine the relationship between glucose concentration and glycolysis.The use of ³¹P NMR is described specifically for measuring the effect ofexercise on the levels of ATP, phosphocreatine, and orthophosphate inhuman forearm muscle. See e.g., G. K. Radda. Science 233: 641 (1986). pHcan also be measured in vivo and directly using ³¹P NMR. See e.g.,citations in D. G. Gadian et al. IN: Biological Applications of MagneticResonance, R. G. Shulman, ed., (Academic Press, 1979), p. 475. The ³¹Pmagnetic resonance technique also provides information on theorthophosphate concentration for glucose metabolism in the Kreb's cycleand/or oxidative phosphorylation pathway. The lactate/pyruvate ratio andthe β-hydroxybutyrate/acetoacetate ratios have been used to estimatecytosolic and mitochondrial NADH/NAD(P)H ratios respectively. See e.g.,Tischler, M. E., et al., Arch Biochem Biophys, 1977. 184(1): p. 222-36;Poole, R. C. and A. P. Halestrap, Am J Physiol, 1993. 264(4 Pt 1): p.C761-82; Groen, A. K., et al., J Biol Chem, 1983. 258(23): p. 14346-53.

Nitric Oxide (NO):

NO has been shown to correlate inversely with glucose concentration.This reactive molecule acts as a vasodilator and interacts with thiolgroups. The reaction of NO with hemoglobin has also been monitored inthe past using absorption spectroscopy. NO may also be measured using anNO meter using a probe head that is as small as 30 μm.

Scheme 1 (see FIG. 17A) points to the measurement sites required todefine the glucose metabolism in epidermis thereby providing completeinformation for the fate of glucose metabolized in the skin. NO causesphysiological effects such as vasodilation and is a reactive materialthat interacts with thiols and the basement membrane of thedermal/epidermal junction. Direct measurement of NO is possible usingcommercially available technology. The measurement of NO will be used,if necessary, for final correction of the glucose concentration. Thedetermination of the NO correction follows initial comparisons of bloodglucose estimated from fluorescence measurements when compared to bloodglucose measured using a reference technique (e.g., YSI Incorporated, POBox 279, Yellow Springs, Ohio 45387 USA). The change in glucoseconcentration as affected by NO concentration is described in theequation (23). The use of NO concentration information for final bloodglucose correction is also described herein. When required, equations(1-5) of the invention are modified by the addition of an NO term asshown in equation (25). This adjustment accounts for the cases where NOalters the perfusion rate significantly.

[ Glucose blood ] = f  ( reporter Reference ) · k i  ( 1 [ NO ] )  Where ,  f  ( Reporter Reference ) ( 25 )

is the in vivo fluorescence signal ratio of reporter fluorescence toreference (or marker) fluorescence varying with respect to changes inglucose concentration within the measured target tissue; and k; is thecomputed weighting factor attributing the effect of NO concentration onthe perfusion rate. The factor k_(i) is computed empirically followingcomparisons of blood glucose optically determined versus referencevalues using standard regression methods (see for example H. Mark and J.Workman, Statistics in Spectroscopy, 1^(st) Ed., Academic Press, 1991;and 2^(nd) Ed., Elsevier Publishers, 2003)

Example 15 Consideration of Blood Glucose Concentration and Fluorescence

Previous work has demonstrated that the lag time between blood glucoselevels and non-perturbed epidermis is 2.9 to 4 percent per minute forthe differential concentrations (vis-à-vis blood and epidermal glucoseconcentrations). See, e.g., J. M. Ellison et al. Diabetes Care, June2002, 25(6), 961-964; B. M. Jensen et al. Scandinavian Journal ofClinical Laboratory Investigation, 1995, 55, 427-432; P. J. Stout,Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics 2001, 3(1), 81-90; C. P. Quinn,Publication 0193-1849/95 The American Physiological Society, E155-E161).In practice, a 5 to 15 minute lag is most often experienced betweenreal-time measured blood glucose levels and glucose levels determined atthe keratinocyte/epidermal layers. The fingertip areakeratinocyte/epidermal layers are considered ideal due to their highvascularization. The time required for the epidermis to reach anequilibrium with blood glucose at steady-state, dependent on themeasurement site, has been reported to be from 25 to 35 minutes. See,e.g. K. Jungheim and T. Koschinsky Diabetes Care, 25(6), 956, 2002; andJ. Ellison et al. Diabetes Care, 25(6), 961, 2002.

When blood glucose is rapidly increasing (hyperglycemia) or decreasing(hypoglycemia), the lag time becomes a critical issue for determiningthe response time for any external, non-invasive blood glucose monitor.Rapid response is required for identifying important health relatedchanges in glucose levels and to avoid critical blood glucose scenarios(i.e., clinically important high or low blood glucose levels). Issues ofrapid response are addressed by using elevated temperatures at themeasurement site to increase blood flow to these regions. Therefore, invarious embodiments, the sensor unit is combined with a regulatableheating element and/or temperature gauge. The sensors are calibrated bycomparing actual blood glucose to the sensor output. The temperature iseither controlled at the measurement site or compensated for in thefinal blood glucose estimation. K_(a) and φ_(F) are only slightlytemperature dependent. The zero and slope of the sensor calibration aredetermined by measuring an initial baseline glucose level, and a secondglucose level at higher concentration. The sensor calibration is thenmeasured as shown in equation (26):

[G]=K₁(sensor response)+K₀  (26)

The K₁ and K_(o) values are entered into the sensor and the calibrationis checked against a reference standard material. The reference standardmaterial is comprised of a matrix that responds to glucose concentrationin such a way as to provide primary standard concentration andfluorescence response data. Their relationship is given in equation(27), where A, B, C, and D are comprised of one or more individualanalyte measurements or ratios of measurements. The method shown inequations (26) and (27) can be used either for calibration usingYSI-determined blood reference data, or without blood reference data viause of equations (13) through (21).

Algorithm:

[G]=f([A],[B],[C],[D])*  (27)

*Where [A], [B], [C], and [D] are directly measured using one or moremeasurement techniques for one or more metabolite signals. Eachmetabolite signal represents a mechanism for quantitatively measuringintracellular or extracellular glycolysis. The primary fuel forglycolysis is D-glucose combined with low concentrations of other simplesugars, such as galactose and fructose.

EQUIVALENTS

From the foregoing detailed description of the specific embodiments ofthe invention, it should be apparent that particular novel compositionsand methods involving utilizing SMMRs for direct or indirectmeasurements of metabolic analyte concentrations have been described.Although these particular embodiments have been disclosed herein indetail, this has been done by way of example for purposes ofillustration only, and is not intended to be limiting with respect tothe scope of the appended claims that follow. In particular, it iscontemplated by the inventors that various substitutions, alterations,and modifications may be made as a matter of routine for a person ofordinary skill in the art to the invention without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Indeed,various adaptations and modifications of the invention in addition tothose described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the foregoing description and accompanying figures. Suchmodifications are intended to fall within and be incorporated into thescope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A sensor composition comprising at least onesmall molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR), wherein the composition isapplied to at least one surface of living tissue, organs, interstitialfluid, and whole organisms and transported into the tissue at aneffective concentration, wherein when the at least one small moleculemetabolic reporter is brought in contact with one or more specificmetabolites, a change in fluorescence or absorption of the at least onesmall molecule metabolic reporter occurs, thereby allowingquantification of the change in fluorescence or absorption, therebyproviding detailed in vivo information regarding picomolar throughmillimolar levels of cellular metabolites and metabolic precursors inthe living tissue, organs, interstitial fluid, and whole organisms. 2.The sensor composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one smallmolecule metabolic reporter is selected from the group consisting of afluorophore, a protein labeled fluorophore, a protein comprising aphotooxidizable cofactor, a protein comprising another intercalatedfluorophore, a mitochondrial vital stain or dye, and a dye exhibiting atleast one of a redox potential, a membrane localizing dye, a dye withenergy transfer properties, a pH indicating dye, a coumarin dye, aderivative of a coumarin dye, an anthraquinone dye; a cyanine dye, anazo dye; a xanthene dye; an arylmethine dye; a pyrene derivative dye anda ruthenium bipyridyl complex dye.
 3. The sensor composition of claim 1,wherein the one or more specific metabolites are selected from the groupconsisting of glucose, lactate, H⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, ATP, ADP,P_(i), glycogen, pyruvate, NAD(P)+, NAD(P)H, FAD, FADH₂, and O₂.
 4. Thesensor composition of claim 1, wherein the information obtained isselected from the group consisting of assessment of metabolic function;diagnosis of metabolic disease state; monitoring and control of diseasestate; stress status of cells, tissues and organs; determination ofvitality and viability of cells based on metabolic function; criticalcare monitoring; determination of metabolic concentration; cancerdiagnosis; cancer detection; cancer staging; and cancer prognosis. 5.The sensor composition of claim 4, wherein the assessment of metabolicfunction provides detailed information about glucose metabolism,fructose metabolism or galactose metabolism.
 6. The sensor compositionof claim 4, wherein the diagnosis of metabolic disease state providesdetailed information on advanced-glycosolated end products.
 7. Thesensor composition of claim 4, wherein the monitoring and control ofdiseases is related to diabetes, cancer, stress or organtransplantation.
 8. The sensor composition of claim 2, wherein themitochondrial vital stain or dye is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbondye selected from the group consisting of: rhodamine 123; di-4-ANEPPS;di-8-ANEPPS; DiBAC₄(3); RH421; tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester,perchlorate; tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, perchlorate;2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide;3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123,dihydrochloride salt; xanthene;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;benzenedicarboxylic acid; 2(or4)[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide.
 9. The sensor composition of claim 2,wherein the protein labeled fluorophore is at least one of GlucoseOxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and Glucose Oxidase-IntercalatedFluorophore (GO-IF).
 10. The sensor composition of claim 2, wherein theprotein comprising a photooxidizable cofactor is Glucose Oxidase (GOx)with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the triplet state(GOx-³FAD*).
 11. The sensor composition of claim 1, wherein the sensorcomposition is formulated as a cream, emulsion, ointment, oil,disposable gel film patch, reservoir device or paint.
 12. The sensorcomposition of claim 1, wherein the sensor composition is transportedwithin the skin using at least one technique selected from the groupconsisting of: electroporation, solvent transport, tattooing, injecting,and passive transport.
 13. The sensor composition of claim 1, whereinthe quantification of the change in fluorescence or absorption ismonitored using fluorescence or absorption spectroscopy.
 14. The sensorcomposition of claim 1, wherein the effective concentration is selectedfrom the group consisting of at least between 0.01 to 500 μg/ml, between0.1 to 500 μg/ml, between 1.0 to 150 μg/ml, between 1 to 100 μg/ml, andbetween 10 to 100 μg/ml.
 15. The sensor composition of claim 1, whereina specific application comprises a 5 μL volume of a 400 μM SMMRsolution, or a 10 μL volume at 200 μM concentration.
 16. The sensorcomposition of claim 1, wherein the one or more metabolites directlyreport on and relate to in vivo blood glucose levels.
 17. The sensorcomposition of claim 1, wherein the at least one small moleculemetabolic reporter is chosen based on one or more properties selectedfrom the group consisting of molecular size, charge, structure, pKa,solubility, polarity, and solvent system used to transport the one ormore small molecule metabolic reporters to living tissue.
 18. A methodfor identifying a small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR) suitable foruse in a sensor composition, the method comprising: delineating the oneor more metabolites required to characterize a selected metabolicpathway in a living system; determining a basic mechanism of action forthe SMMR; selecting one or more wavelength choices for excitation andemission of the SMMR for analysis of absorption and fluorescencemeasurements; selecting a molecular structure to meet quantum efficiencyand yield requirements; selecting location, diffusion rate, and durationor lifetime of the SMMR within a tissue or organ layers; selectingtoxicity requirements and limitations; and optionally relating measuredreal-time metabolic conditions to disease state for diagnostics orpatient care, thereby identifying a small molecule metabolic reporterfor use in a sensor composition.
 19. An in vivo method for determiningthe metabolic health and well-being in living organisms, the methodcomprising: applying at least one small molecule metabolic reporter(SMMR) to a surface of an organ for a predetermined period of time;causing penetration of the SMMR to a depth of about 10 μm to about 300μm; monitoring a change in the fluorescence or absorption based uponperipheral or epithelial tissue metabolite levels; and correlating themetabolite levels within peripheral or epithelial tissue with cellularmetabolite levels, thereby determining the metabolic health andwell-being in living organisms.
 20. An in vivo method for monitoring andcontrolling disease states that affect metabolic processes in livingorganisms, the method comprising: applying at least one small moleculemetabolic reporter (SMMR) to at least one surface of a living tissue,organs, and/or whole organisms for a predetermined period of time;causing penetration of the SMMR to a depth of about 10 μm to about 300μm; monitoring a change in the fluorescence or absorption based uponperipheral or epithelial tissue metabolite levels; and correlating themetabolite levels within peripheral or epithelial tissue with cellularmetabolite levels, thereby monitoring and controlling disease statesthat affect metabolic processes in living organisms.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the disease states are selected from the groupconsisting of diabetes, diabetes progression, aging, critical carestates, organ transplantation, tissue and cell viability and vitality,cancer diagnosis, cancer detection, cancer staging and cancer prognosis.22. An in vivo method for monitoring the concentration of one or moremetabolites or analytes, the method comprising: applying at least onesmall molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR) to at least one surface of aliving tissue, organs, and/or whole organisms for a predetermined periodof time; causing penetration of the SMMR to a depth of about 10 μm,wherein said depth corresponds with the bottom of the dead stratumcorneum layer, to about 175 μm, wherein said depth corresponds with thetop of the dermal layer, into the epidermis; and monitoring a change inthe concentration of the one or more metabolites or analytes in ametabolic pathway by detecting changes in the at least one SMMR at oneor more time points using an optical reader.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the SMMR comprises a mitochondrial stain sensitive to membranepotential or chemical gradient.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein themitochondrial stain is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon dye selectedfrom the group consisting of: rhodamine 123; di-4-ANEPPS; di-8-ANEPPS;DiBAC₄(3); RH421; tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester, perchlorate;tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, perchlorate;2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridinium iodide;3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride;5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide; nonylacridine orange; dihydrorhodamine 123 dihydrorhodamine 123,dihydrochloride salt; xanthene;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;benzenedicarboxylic acid; 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein theat least one SMMR comprises a dye or stain that transfers energy from amolecule generated as a result of the oxidative metabolic pathway andthat has a stoichiometric or highly correlated relationship with glucoseconcentration.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein the at least one SMMRcomprises a dye selected from the group consisting of: coumarin;derivatives of coumarin; anthraquinones; cyanine dyes; azo dyes;xanthene dyes; arylmethine dyes; pyrene derivatives; and rutheniumbipyridyl complexes.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein the at leastone SMMR comprises a protein labeled fluorophore.
 28. The method ofclaim 27, wherein the protein labeled fluorophore is at least one ofGlucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and GlucoseOxidase-Intercalated Fluorophore (GO-IF).
 29. The method of claim 22,wherein the at least one SMMR comprises a protein comprising aphotooxidizable cofactor.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein theprotein comprising a photooxidizable cofactor is Glucose Oxidase (GOx)with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the triplet state(GOx-³FAD*).
 31. The method of claim 22, wherein the one or moremetabolites or analytes is selected from the group consisting of:glucose; lactate; hydrogen ion (H⁺); calcium ion (Ca²⁺) pumping rate;magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pumping rate; sodium ion (Na⁺) pumping rate;potassium ion (K⁺) pumping rate; adenosine triphosphate (ATP); adenosinediphosphate (ADP); the ratio of ATP to ADP; inorganic phosphate (P_(i));glycogen; pyruvate; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,oxidized form (NAD(P)+); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,reduced form (NAD(P)H); flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form(FAD); and flavin adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂); and oxygen(O₂) utilization.
 32. The method of claim 22, where monitoring thechange in metabolite or analyte concentration comprises detecting atleast one wavelength above 350 nm.
 33. The method of claim 22, whereinthe SMMR is formulated as a cream, emulsion, ointment, oil, disposablegel film patch, reservoir device or paint.
 34. The method of claim 22,wherein the SMMR penetrates within the skin using at least one techniqueselected from the group consisting of: electroporation, solventtransport, tattooing, injecting, and passive transport.
 35. The methodof claim 22, wherein the quantification of the change in fluorescence orabsorption is monitored using fluorescence or absorption spectroscopy.36. An in vivo method for measuring metabolite levels, said methodcomprising monitoring in a population of cells one or more relevantmetabolites, parameters or analytes in at least one metabolic pathway,wherein the monitoring comprises measuring the fluorescence spectrumemitted by at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR),wherein at least one fluorescence spectrum emitted by the SMMR isstoichiometrically related to the metabolite, parameter or analyteconcentration in the population of cells, whereby analyzing therelatedness provides the in vivo metabolite level.
 37. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the population of cells has a predominantly glycolyticmetabolism or can be induced to have a glycolytic metabolism.
 38. Themethod of claim 37, wherein the population of cells is located in theepidermis, wherein the epidermis comprises a dynamic, metabolicallyhomogeneous, and homeostatic population of cells.
 39. The method ofclaim 37, wherein the population of cells having a glycolytic metabolismcomprise live keratinocytes.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein thelive keratinocytes are present in the epidermal layer of skin.
 41. Themethod of claim 40, wherein the live keratinocytes are present at adepth from the surface of the skin from about 10 μm, wherein said depthcorresponds with the bottom of the dead stratum corneum layer, to about175 μm, wherein said depth corresponds with the top of the dermal layer.42. The method of claim 36, wherein the metabolic pathway is monitoredwithin the population of cells via measurement of one or more specificmetabolite or analyte of the glycolytic pathway that has astoichiometric or highly correlated relationship with glucoseconcentration.
 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the one or morerelevant metabolites or analytes are selected from the group consistingof: glucose; lactate; hydrogen ion (H⁺); calcium ion (Ca²⁺) pumpingrate; magnesium ion (Mg²⁺) pumping rate; sodium ion (Na⁺) pumping rate;potassium ion (K⁺) pumping rate; adenosine triphosphate (ATP); adenosinediphosphate (ADP); the ratio of ATP to ADP; inorganic phosphate (P_(i));glycogen; pyruvate; nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,oxidized form (NAD(P)+); nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate),reduced form (NAD(P)H); flavin adenine dinucleotide, oxidized form(FAD); flavin adenine dinucleotide, reduced form (FADH₂); and oxygen(O₂) utilization.
 44. The method of claim 36, wherein the metabolicpathway is monitored within the population of cells, said monitoringcomprising measuring a physico-chemical parameter that is related to theglycolytic pathway, wherein said parameter comprises a stoichiometric orhighly correlated relationship with glucose concentration.
 45. Themethod of claim 36, wherein the population of cells comprises apredominantly oxidative metabolism or can be induced to comprise ametabolism predominantly based on oxidative phosphorylation.
 46. Themethod of claim 45, wherein the metabolic pathway is monitored withinthe population of cells, said monitoring comprising measuring ametabolite or analyte that is generated as a result of the oxidativemetabolic pathway, wherein said metabolite or analyte comprises astoichiometric or highly correlated relationship with glucoseconcentration.
 47. The method of claim 45, wherein the metabolic pathwayis monitored within the population of cells, said monitoring comprisingmeasuring a physico-chemical parameter that is generated as a result ofthe oxidative metabolic pathway and that comprises a stoichiometric orhighly correlated relationship with glucose concentration.
 48. Anoninvasive method for monitoring in vivo blood glucose levels, themethod comprising: applying at least one small molecule metabolicreporter (SMMR) to at least one surface of skin for a predeterminedperiod of time; causing penetration of the one or more SMMR to a depthof about 10 μm, wherein said depth corresponds with the bottom of thedead stratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, wherein said depthcorresponds with the top of the dermal layer, into the epidermis;contacting the one or more SMMR with one or more metabolites oranalytes; monitoring a change in the concentration of the one or moremetabolites or analytes by detecting changes in the SMMR using anoptical reader, and correlating the change in the concentration of theone or more metabolites or analytes with in vivo blood glucose levels.49. The method of claim 48, wherein the at least one small moleculemetabolic reporter is selected from the group consisting of afluorophore, a protein labeled fluorophore, a protein comprising aphotooxidizable cofactor, a protein comprising another intercalatedfluorophore, a mitochondrial vital stain or dye, and a dye exhibitingone or more of a redox potential, a membrane localizing dye, a dyecomprising energy transfer properties, a pH indicating dye, a coumarindye, a derivative of a coumarin dye, an anthraquinone dye; a cyaninedye, an azo dye; a xanthene dye; an arylmethine dye; a pyrene derivativedye and a ruthenium bipyridyl complex dye.
 50. The method of claim 48,wherein the one or more specific metabolites are selected from the groupconsisting of glucose, lactate, H⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, ATP, ADP,P_(i), glycogen, pyruvate, NAD(P)+, NAD(P)H, FAD, FADH₂, and O₂.
 51. Themethod of claim 49, wherein the protein labeled fluorophore is GlucoseOxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and the metabolite is glucose. 52.The method of claim 49, wherein the protein comprising a photooxidizablecofactor is Glucose Oxidase (GOx) with a flavin adenine dinucleotide(FAD) in the triplet state (GOx-³FAD*).
 53. The method of claim 49,wherein the mitochondrial vital stain or dye is at least one polycyclicaromatic hydrocarbon dye selected from the group consisting of:Rhodamine 123, Di-4-ANEPPS; Di-8-ANEPPS, DiBAC₄(3), RH421,Tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester, perchlorate, Tetramethylrhodaminemethyl ester, perchlorate, 2-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-ethylpyridiniumiodide, 3,3′-Dihexyloxacarbocyanine,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyaninechloride,5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide, Nonylacridine Orange, Dihydrorhodamine 123 and Dihydrorhodamine123, dihydrochloride salt; xanthene;2′,7′-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein;benzenedicarboxylic acid; 2(or4)-[10-(dimethylamino)-3-oxo-3-H-benzo[c]xanthene-7-yl]; and iodinedissolved in potassium iodide.
 54. The method of claim 49, wheremonitoring the change in the one or more metabolite or analyteconcentrations comprises measuring at least one spectral emission at awavelength above 450 nm.
 55. A reagent strip for use in a glucosemeasuring instrument comprising: a polymer strip; and a knownconcentration of at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR),wherein when a sample of a biological fluid containing an amount ofglucose is interacted with the reagent strip, a change in fluorescenceor absorption of the at least one SMMR occurs, wherein said change ismeasured by the glucose measuring instrument, thereby detecting theglucose concentration of the biological fluid.
 56. The reagent strip ofclaim 55, wherein the at least one SMMR is selected from the groupconsisting of Glucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and GlucoseOxidase (GOx) with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the tripletstate (GOx-³FAD*).
 57. The reagent strip of claim 55, wherein the changein fluorescence or absorption is monitored using fluorescence orabsorption spectroscopy.
 58. A reagent strip for use in calibrating aglucose measuring instrument comprising: a polymer strip; a knownconcentration of at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR);and at least one sample containing a known concentration of glucose,wherein when the at least one sample is interacted with the reagentstrip, a change in fluorescence or absorption of the at least one SMMRoccurs, wherein said change is measured by the glucose measuringinstrument and wherein the calculated glucose is compared to the knownconcentration, thereby calibrating the instrument.
 59. The reagent stripof claim 58, wherein the at least one SMMR is selected from the groupconsisting of Glucose Oxidase-Labeled Fluorophore (GO-LF) and GlucoseOxidase (GOx) with a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in the tripletstate (GOx-³FAD*).
 60. The reagent strip of claim 59, wherein the changein fluorescence or absorption is monitored using fluorescence orabsorption spectroscopy.
 61. A sensor system, the system comprising: adevice comprising a component that transmits radiation to a material ortissue, a component that detects radiation emitted from a material ortissue, and a component to display the detection results, wherein eachcomponent is operably linked; an applicator that delivers the sensorcomposition of claim 1 to the material or tissue; and an interfacebetween the device and the material or tissue, wherein the interfacemeasures a resulting excitation radiation emitted from the irradiatedsensor composition.
 62. The sensor system of claim 61, wherein saidsystem comprises a device that emits radiation at one or morewavelengths chosen to specifically excite the sensor composition that isapplied to the material or tissue, wherein the sensor compositioncomprises at least one small molecule metabolic reporter (SMMR), whereinthe sensor composition is present at a depth from the surface of theskin of about 10 μm, wherein said depth corresponds with the bottom ofthe dead stratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, wherein said depthcorresponds with the top of the dermal layer, in the epidermis at aneffective concentration for detection of one or more metabolites oranalytes in a biological sample.
 63. The sensor system of claim 62,wherein said system detects radiation at one or more wavelengths chosento specifically identify remitted energy fluorescence scattered to thesystem from the sensor composition.
 64. A method for determining in vivoblood glucose concentration, comprising the steps of: performing aninstrument response measurement on a calibration target and recordingthe response data; applying at least one SMMR mixture to the skin in afirst controlled area such that the SMMR resides in the epidermal layerof the skin; applying a second SMMR mixture to the skin in a secondcontrolled area; perturbing the second area such that one or moreextreme changes that the mixture may undergo are achieved; performing acalibration measurement on the perturbed area and recording thecalibration data; performing a background measurement on an area of skinthat has no SMMR and recording this background data; illuminating thefirst area with light and performing a first measurement on the firstarea; detecting at least one wavelength spectrum of light reflected backfrom the first area; performing at least a second measurement on thefirst area at wavelengths suitable for each SMMR present; calculating atleast one parameter from the response data to normalize the backgrounddata, calibration data and measurement data for the response using aspectrometer; calculating at least one parameter from the backgrounddata to correct the calibration data and measurement data for emission,absorption and scattering properties of the tissue; and calculating atleast one metabolite parameter from the calibration data to relate themeasurement data to the blood glucose concentration; thereby determiningin vivo blood glucose concentration.
 65. The method of claim 64, whereinthe one or more extreme changes is a change in concentration of themetabolite or analyte between a zero or low measurable concentration anda saturation level or high measurable concentration.
 66. A method ofcalculating a blood glucose concentration, said method comprising:measuring at least one background response and at least oneautofluorescence tissue response from a calibration target comprising anepidermal layer of skin; providing a first SMMR mixture to a first skinlocation and causing portions of the first SMMR mixture to transfer intothe epidermal layer of the skin; providing a second SMMR mixture to asecond skin location and causing and recording at least one extremechange in the mixture; illuminating the first skin location with aradiative emission; detecting at least one resulting wavelength spectrumreflected from the first skin location; optionally repeating theilluminating and detecting steps using at least one irradiation andwavelength spectrum associated with each SMMR provided; and detecting atleast one physico-chemical parameter that is related to the glycolyticpathway, wherein said parameter comprises a stoichiometric or highlycorrelated relationship with glucose concentration; thereby determiningthe blood glucose concentration.
 67. The method of claim 66, wherein theSMMR mixture comprises a bloodless calibration procedure as outlined inone or more of equations 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or
 21. 68. The method ofclaim 66, wherein the at least one extreme change is a change in theblood glucose concentration between a zero or low measurableconcentration and a saturation level or high measurable concentration.69. A method for determining the concentration of at least onemetabolite or analyte in skin tissue, the method comprising:administering to the skin tissue at least one small molecule metabolitereporter (SMMR) agent; causing penetration of the at least one SMMRagent to a region of the skin at a depth between the dermis and theepidermis, wherein the depth from the surface of the skin is from about10 μm, wherein said depth corresponds with the bottom of the deadstratum corneum layer, to about 175 μm, wherein said depth correspondswith the top of the dermal layer; irradiating the at least one SMMRagent in the skin tissue with a source of electromagnetic radiation;measuring at least one fluorescence spectrum emitted from the at leastone SMMR agent; and analyzing the emitted fluorescence spectra; whereinthe analysis results in a determination of the concentration of themetabolite or analyte.
 70. The method of claim 63, wherein the measuringof at least one fluorescence spectrum comprises a bloodless calibrationprocedure as outlined in one or more of equations 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20and
 21. 71. The method of claim 32, where monitoring the change inmetabolite or analyte concentration comprises detecting at least onewavelength above 450 nm.